Paul James Holcombe

Paul James Holcombe, 71, of Farmington, NM passed away on February 11, 2026. He was born on November 1, 1954, in Los Angeles, CA to Jim and Patricia Holcombe.

Paul Holcombe, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend, passed away, leaving behind a lifetime of memories shaped by humor, service, adventure, and devotion to others.

Paul proudly served the community for most of his life as a wildland firefighter, as an EMT with the Ruidoso Ambulance, and with the Farmington Fire Department. During his distinguished career with the Farmington Fire Department, he was a dedicated member of both the Swift Water Rescue Team and the HazMat Team, answering calls that required courage, expertise, and steady leadership. He was also honored to serve on the team deployed to assist in the aftermath of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, bringing aid and hope during some of the nation’s most difficult times. His commitment to service extended far beyond the fire station walls and into the very heart of his community. Paul devoted countless years to mentoring young people through the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of San Juan County. He shared not only practical skills but also his quick wit, a deep love for the outdoors, and “the way of the river.” He was always on the river. If he wasn't on the river with people he loved, he was on the river with his beloved dogs. Paul was the ever-present leader of the pack and, right up to his death, was rarely seen without his pack of dogs. The highlights of his many adventures were dressing up and making Santa Claus come alive for his great-granddaughters, and a remarkable three-week rafting journey down the Grand Canyon. This experience perfectly captures his spirit of endurance, his awe of nature, and his love for shared adventure. Paul was one of the original Disney adults. He had the rare experience of visiting Disneyland in its first weeks after opening, which began a lifelong love affair with the magic of Disney. Over the years, he returned regularly to the parks in both California and Florida, sharing that wonder with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. For Paul, Disney was not just a place; Disney was like the outdoors—it was joy, imagination, and memories made together.

Paul’s life was defined by service, mentorship, adventure, humor, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and the outdoors. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, curiosity, laughter, adventure, fun, and connection—to community, to nature, and to one another. His stories will continue to be told at the firehouse, at family dinners, around campfires, on riverbanks, and during family trips filled with laughter, song, and magic.

He is preceded in death by his parents Jim Holcombe, Patricia Holcombe, and sister Susan Holcombe.

Paul is survived by his daughters Christina Stamets (Nick Stamets), Rebecca Holcombe (Chris Adams), grandchildren Dreigan Wilson (Sara Wilson), Fionna Dietrich (Chris Dietrich), Naya Stamets, Ahonora Stamets, and great-grandchildren Denairess, Ember, Arwen, & Azelea.

Paul will be having a memorial service in the summer of 2027 followed by burial at Banks of Green River in Utah.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Farmington River Reach Foundation, https://share.google/enWuoFYOFTpN2pvY5