Owensboro, KY – James E. Coomes, a beloved member of the Owensboro community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the age of 89. He died surrounded by his family at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. James was born on December 23, 1934, in Whitesville, the eldest of nine siblings, to the late Lester and Elizabeth Coomes.
For 65 years, James was a devout member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. He retired from Green River Steel, where he worked as a millwright. In his spare time, James was known for his love of Kentucky history, his passion for crossword puzzles, and his storytelling.
He is survived by his three children: Pam Riney (Chuck) of Charlotte, N.C., Carla Schafer of Atlanta, GA, and Jimmy Coomes (Georgia) of Owensboro. His grandchildren, whom he lovingly referred to as “Gran,” include Chaz (Sara) Riney, J.W. (Carrie) Riney, Kristen (Paul David) Hayden, Clayton (Megan) Riney, Jordan (Chelsea) Coomes, Sally (Mike) Springob, Sarah and Maggie Riney, and Sydney and Ellen Schafer. James also cherished his great-grandchildren, Parker, Charlie, Sam, Kate, Abbi, Lucy, Weston, Will, Josie, Max, Claire, Jacob, Ellen Anne, Blake, Isa, and Lakely.
James was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Wilkerson Coomes, the love of his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Virginia Blanford, Cecelia Wilkerson, Mary Catherine Payne, Dennis Coomes, Gerald Coomes, Sam Coomes, Tony Coomes, and Tom Coomes, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Friday, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM, and from 9:00 to 10:30 AM on Saturday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to The American Heart Association. They also extend their heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital for their compassionate care of James during his final days.