John Javier Combo

JOHN "JACK" COMBO Click here to view Jack's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- John Xavier "Jack" Combo passed away April 3rd, 2009, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, from an ongoing battle with cancer. Jack was born July 3, 1922 in Butte, Montana to James Emmett & Mary Edmunda Fleming Combo. He grew up with his two sisters, Mary Jule and Kathryn (later Sister Marie de Paul), and his younger brothers Jim (Gitch) and Dan. He graduated from Boys Central HS and worked for the Silver Bow County Road Dept. When it was 30 below zero he was out spreading sand on the streets of Butte. He graduated from the Montana School of Mines with a BS in Geological Engineering and later received a Professional Degree in Geological Engineering. He served as a commissioned officer in the Navy during WWII on a Sub-chaser in the Marshall Islands. Following the war, Jack attended Georgetown Law School in Washington, DC where he finished in the top 3% of his class. He married his Butte sweetheart Eileen Sullivan during a Christmas break from law school. They spent their honeymoon on a train back to Washington, D.C. During law school Jack worked for the US Geological Survey. After graduation, he worked for the Department of Interior and then the Atomic Energy Commission in Grand Junction, Colorado. In 1962 he transferred to Idaho Falls to serve as Chief Counsel to ERDA (later the Department of Energy) and then became Deputy Manager and Acting Director of the INEEL Site. Upon retirement from DOE, Jack went into private practice in Idaho Falls with his son Bill. He was a member of the Montana and Idaho Bar Associations. Jack served 18 years as a Board Member with the Idaho Transportation Department, serving as Board Chair for many of the years. He also served for 18 years on the Board of the Montana Economic Revitalization & Development Inc. (MERDI) and MSE, serving as Board Chair for some of those years. He considered all the employees at ITD and at MERDI and MSE as extended family. Jack's accomplishments were many and varied, but you never heard about them from him. He coached youth baseball when his children were younger, and he was the founder and president of the Booster Club at Idaho Falls High School. He was active in Kiwanis and later Rotary. While he was Chief Counsel, Deputy Director, and Acting Director at DOE he was instrumental in acquiring the land for the current University Place. He also helped move the tech library from the Site to the University and he was instrumental in obtaining teaching certificates for the Site instructors teaching night courses. Jack was appointed by then Mayor Eddie Pederson as Vice Chair of the Library Committee that was to locate and build the current library. He was very proud of the library and a plaque bears his name on the facility's exterior wall. He also was an advocate for education his entire life. As a true Irishman he knew that the road to success was through education. During his service on the Idaho Transportation Board, Jack was instrumental in obtaining funding in Idaho Falls for the Sunnyside Bridge and the expansion of Sunnyside Street. Worker safety and training was always a foremost importance in his mind. There is a training room named for him at the state ITD office in Boise and another in the Rigby ITD office. No matter where he worked Jack greeted employees by their first name and with a smile, no matter their position or title in life. He and Eileen loved to take their travel trailer out and enjoy time away. Jack enjoyed hunting trips in the trailer with his sons and good friends. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren, always showing them off to others and letting those people know about each one's accomplishments. His idea of a vacation was to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Jack so enjoyed those loving family moments; he always took photos to capture those special times. He single handedly kept the local photo shops in business. Jack was happiest when surrounded by his family, and he loved to tell his children and grandchildren about his youth in Butte, his service in the Navy, his experiences in Washington, DC, and the history of Idaho, Montana and other Western states. He regaled his grandchildren with facts and stories if they drove with him anywhere. He also loved sharing how he met the love of his life, Eileen. Not only did Jack show commitment to his many activities, Jack also never neglected his devotion to God. Jack and Eileen, the pair of them, would never miss a church service, being active, long time members of Christ the King Catholic Church in Idaho Falls. And it was awe inspiring to see him on his knees by his bed every night as he said his prayers. A rosary was always in his pocket. Jack is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eileen; their 6 children--John (Jeanne) Combo of Phoenix, AZ; Mary Ellen (Jeff Jaksich) Combo of Olympia, WA; Bill (Trish) Combo of Idaho Falls, ID; Kathryn (Mike) Koloski of Boise, ID; James (Sandy) Combo of Coeur d'Alene, ID; Brian (Annette) Combo, of Minneapolis, MN; his brother Dr. Daniel (Sheila) Combo, of Missoula, MT; his sister, Sister Marie de Paul Combo, of Kansas City, KS; and 14 grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Jule and brother Jim "Gitch" Combo. Jack leaves a legacy of service to his country and his community and devotion to his family and faith. A family visitation will take place Tuesday, April 7, 2009, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, from 5:30-7:00 PM, followed by a rosary. On Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at 10:00 AM, there will be a celebration of Catholic Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 9th & Lee, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls Youth Hockey, or a favorite charity. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Magdalena E Boecker loveloc@bresnan.net Dear Eileen and family . . . I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Jack. Know that he is at peace and pain-free in the arms of our Lord. You have many wonderful memories to sustain you with such a wonderful marriage, family and life. We love you. You and your family are in our thoughts and payers. Even though we cannot be there with you to celebrate Jack's life, know that we are with you in spirit. Magdalena Boecker Dear Brian and Family, My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your father. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Mark Dressler Lois Beers I am sad for you Eileen and your family. Jack was a good kind man and I know you will miss him, but, oh, what good memories you have to share with your friends and family. Kathy Molloy Jackson kathy_jackson@gfps.k12.mt.us Dear Combos, We are sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Kathy Molloy Jackson and family Thomas and Kimberly Whyte thomwhyte@comcast.net Mrs. Combo and Brian: Kim and I send our prayers and thoughts to you and your entire family. Growing up, I appreciated Mr. Combo's laser-focused wit, his closeness to his children and his requirement that us young men lead a honest life. The influence of him and Brian assisted me in the most critical phase of my life. Kim met Mr. Combo several times over these past 25 years. She enjoyed these brief interchanges. We will fondly reflect on his incredible life over the next several days. God bless. Tom and Kim Whyte, Highlands Ranch, CO Colleen A Cullen collcull@msn.co Eileen and family, I am so sorry to hear about Jack's passing. You are in my prayers. Colleen Cullen tom.cole@msn.com Dear Eileen and Family, It is always difficult to say something comforting at these times. But I'm sure the last few years have been difficult and now Jack is at peace. He was a very great individual that we will all miss greatly, I always cherished the time I spent with him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Tom & Donna Cole Ralene Gregory ralenester@gmail.com Kathy, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of such loss. I will always count you as one of my most cherished friends. Love, Ralene Jack and Mary Jo Minor kilt@earthlink.net Dear Eileen and family This morning our friend Mary Smith sent the beautiful obituary for Jack. We are so sorry for your loss. He was truly inspiring. We have fond memories of basketball in Boise and elsewhere. We want you to know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. and inspiration. Julie Braun Jack was an exceptional man, one of the last true gentlemen. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sr. Marie Brinkman, SCL mbrinkman@scls.org We have learned of Jack's spirit as we prayed with Marie de Paul through his illness. Now we do indeed rejoice with you in God's welcoming him home, and in the new freedom of that indomitable spirit of his. Sr. Marie Brinkman Sister Ann Barton Peace and joy to your dear family as Jack enters into eternal life. May his experience of the Resurrection bring only peace and joy to each of you. My love and prayers, S. Ann Barton (another SCL friend of Marie's) Lois Beers loisbeers@cableone.net I am sad for you all. What a fine legacy he leaves, good family, good career, lots of good memories to share. Eileen, you have caring and sympathy. Lois Dave Hand davehand@mac.com My deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time. Mr. Combo was a great man and you all are his greatest legacy. Sorry that I'll be unable to attend the services, but know that you are all in my prayers. Beth (Jagnow) Frye Wishing you all strength, peace, love, and comfort during this time of change, and always. Mike Lewenczuk mlewenczuk@charter.net To all: I am so very sorry for your loss. Frank Gilmore fgilmore@mtech.edu Eileen and Family, Please know that the entire Montana Tech family shares in the grief you are experiencing with the passing of a wonderful man, your husband and father and our friend. Please except our sincere condolences. Jack was an outstanding alumnus of Montana School of Mines and a great man. With our deepest sympathy. Frank Gilmore, Chancellor lee and Debbie Barton gocubs@cableone.net Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your loved one. We will have your family in our prayers and hope that you do remember to celebrate his life and treasure memories of Jack Bob & Mary Gehrke lacometa43@msn.com Dear Eileen and family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this time of Jack's passing. We have fond memories of Jack. He always greeted us when we would see him at events or in the store. May it help to know we will keep you all in our prayers and thoughts as you grieve. With peace and love, Bob and Mary Gehrke Julian Perez pere_jc@hotmail.com I am so impressed with the fine life that Jack led. He started the booster club at IF High School where my entire family went. He was a devout Catholic - a legacy that he passed onto his son, Brian - my good friend, martial arts instructor, and sponsor for my own Catholic confirmation. I have the highest level of respect for Jack's family. I have met many of his children. I have known Brian since I was 9 years old, and each and every interaction with his family has been a positive growing experience. I pray that his family find comfort in that he is no longer suffering, that he is headed into his next life to do more of the Lord's work and that he is not gone as long as he is remembered. Jane Freund janelfreund@gmail.com I am very sorry to hear of Jack's death. I last saw Jack a couple of years ago at my father's funeral and we had a lovely visit. However I want to share with you a specific way he influenced my life (via something Kathy said to me years ago) I was telling Kathy how challenging it was to stay in touch with people in terms of writing letters and such (e-mail wasn't yet widely used and doesn't have a real personal touch). Kathy shared how her Dad would stay in touch with people by sending postcards from various places he visited. He could write a brief note on the back and maintain contact with a variety of family and friends. I still use that technique today and it's one of the many reasons I'm thankful that Jack Combo was in this world! Please know that you remain in my prayers and thoughts. Resting in Him, Jane Tina Brill Wyant kevandtinawyant@msn.com Dearest Kathy, Please know that my heart and prayers are with you and your family as you say good-bye to your sweet father. It is said that a successful man is one whose children love him. Your father was very, very successful. I believe that as well accomplished as he was, his greatest legacy was and remains his family. It simply has to be because you are such an amazing individual who I love and admire so very much. I just know that all of what was good in him went into making sure all of the kids in your family were the very best people that they could be. He has made the world a better place by being a wonderful father. It gave me comfort when my own father died, to imagine him being met by all those who he missed so much that went before him. I hope it gives you comfort as well. All my love and friendship, Tina Wyant Carol (Burggraf) Deane caroldeane55@msn.com Whoever said "only the good die young," definitely never knew Jack. He was one of the finest, kindest, most gracious, honest, dignified man I have ever met. When I worked with Jack, it was like I had another father and I'm sure everyone at the office felt that way. If I had a cold, he brought me a little Cap'n Morgans for my coffee, or from time to time he'd bring the blender in from home to have a little "after hour" fun. Oh, and the Christmas parties! He always told me not to wish my life away, but enjoy every moment and I have kept that close to my heart during rough times. Jack was a brilliant attorney who settled for nothing less than perfection in his work. Sometimes I would roll my eyes when a pleading came back attached to lines and lines of meticulous handwriting on yellow legal paper, adding yet another small adjustment, but that taught me so much. He taught me that when you are serving someone, nothing less than perfection will do. He and Eileen were always so kind and generous when I had a baby and were so proud of their children and grandchildren. I cannot imagine the void you must feel but at the same time the graditude you must have for being blessed with such an amazing man in your family. I feel honored to have known him. Todd and Dawn Moss mossfam131@verizon.net Dear Combo Family, We were saddened to hear of your dad's passing. I will always remember his warm greetings and sense of humor. The last time I saw him, he was so proud of his family. My father also spoke highly of him often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Rick Packard rickypackard@gmail.com Dear Eileen & Family, I was deeply saddened by the passing of Jack. I will always love and remember him as my second father. The good Lord doesn't. make men like him anymore. I love you all and if there is anything I can do to help please feel free to call Edna Hunthausen,SCL Know that I keep you all in my heart and prayers. I am a life-time friend of S.Marie de Paul, Knew Gitch, Lavern, Dan, Sheila and lots more of the family. Marie de told me much about Jack and Eileen and their kids. Thank you for the write-up about Jack. His love for his family and Eileen and the stories from Butte warmed my heart. My brother, Fr. Jack was a very good friend of Gitch and Lavern when he was in Butte. You are in my prayers and in my heart. I am sure the family gathered will be full of joy and hope in the midst of the loss....Edna S. Mary Jo Downey My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Jack. Our deepest sympathies to the family for their loss. Michael, Rita, Melanie & Matt Swieczkowski M.Swieczkowski@hotmail.com Dear Eileen, with sadness in our hearts did we learn that Jack has left us forever. The few times we came together in Brian's house left us with fond memories of a great person who was fun-loving and with a warm heart. Our thoughts are with you in this time of mourning. Jim Harrington jimharrington@osolumber.com Eileen and family, my heart felt prays go out to you in your time of sorrow. John was a great man and friend. He helped me thru my youth like one of his sons .Some of the best times in my life was spent with John and the boys .God be with you all . Brett Johnson firecaptain@cableone.net Eileen and family, My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your families. I will miss Jack a great deal. Although it is always sad to lose someone so special, rest assured he is in a better place and you will all be together again someday. God Bless Kelly-Merle Buckland kjbuckland@cableone.net Kathy,Mike and Diamond, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy, I remember you Dad having a good sense of humor and that he enjoyed sharing stories about the family. He was proud of his kids even he teased them. Kelly remembers him from the Board of Transportation and his law firm. He admired him a great deal and respected his work to improve the lives of Idahoans. Art and Ruth Corbaley Eileen and the whole Combo clan, We extend our deepest sympathies to you folks. We have always enjoyed Jack and Eileen's company. Jack had a fine sense of humor that we appreciated; he felt like family from the moment we met him. Through the years he sent us photographs that we treasure to this day. He certainly had an eye for taking the best pictures of his grandchildren. Eileen, we hope to stay in contact, especially when you come to see Mary Ellen as we don't get out as much as we used to. Our thoughts have been with all of you for some time now. We hope our respect and admiration for Jack will give you some measure of comfort. He was a fine man. Sue and Bob Wood; Cory and Lisa Matthews wsue97@comcast.net To the whole Combo clan, I do not think I have met a man who made more feel more immediately comfortable than Jack. He was a kind, generous, funny guy who treated Cory like family the first time he met him. Cory remembers digging a snow cave with Jack in their yard when we came to visit Sandy, way way back in the early 80's. Cory has fond memories of Jack---and Cory is likely one of hundreds of kids who have fond memories of Jack. What a legacy. I think Jack's many acts of kindness has spread out further than we might imagine and that he is an example not to just his children and grandchildren, but all those who experienced what it was like to hang out with Jack for a while. Our family is putting together something from us toward the East Idaho Hospice agency in Jack's name. I understand they were a great help. Please accept both our sympathy for your loss, and know our gratitude for being able to hang out with Jack. Love, Sue Wood Bob, Mavis, Hannah, and Jack Van Sambeek vansambeek10@msn.com We were saddened to learn of the death of your husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. We never met Jack and have only known his son Brian's family for a little over a year. However, based on Brian's approach to life and the saying "Like father, like son," there is little doubt that Jack was one of the "good guys" who positively impacted many peoples' lives. It is also almost certain that Jack was proud of his family and all you have become. In the days ahead, may the support of your family and friends bring you strength and comfort as you celebrate his life and cherish his memories. Bob, Mavis, Hannah, and Jack Van Sambeek Jeff Hosking jhosking@cwc.edu Hatchet Jack was a fine man and will be missed by all. My sympathy to the family for his loss. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Jeff and Diana Hosking Patty & Alan Johnson Dear Mrs.Combo, Kathy & Family, We are saddened to have learned that Mr. Combo has passed. We know that this is an extremely difficult time for the family ~ you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Kathy... Your dad was such a kind and patient man driving us to Boise with him as we slept in the back of his car :0) I have such fond memories of our high school years with you and your family. God's Blessings, Alan & Patty (Carl) Johnson Patti Raino My deepest sympathy to the Combo family. I knew Jack though my contact with him as a staff person at the Idaho Transportation Department. I have the greatest respect for him as a person and always appreciated the professional and caring approach he brought to the Idaho Transportation Board. He was a wonderful man and I am grateful I had a chance to know him. Timothy Ramsey tim.ramsey@itd.idaho.gov Dear Combo family. I always will remember Jack. He was such a good man and I will never forget him. I wish you peace in this time of loss. Sincerely, Tim Ramsey, (ITD security officer) Vard and Jan Hendricks janlh13@hotmail.com Eileen, Bill and Family: We are in Yuma, AZ. I just received an e-mail from our son, Jim, that John had passed away. So sorry we couldn't be there for the services. We love your family. Please accept our love and condolences at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Vard and Jan H. Ken & Reba Shake Kenshake@aol.com Eileen and family: Reba and I and my Shake Family kids just heard of Jack's passing and want to send our condolences. Jack was certainly a friend and mentor to me during our days at the Idaho Falls Airport. We will miss him. Pam Merrell pam@bseymour.com Eileen and family, I just learned of Jack's passing and I wanted to let the family know how much I appreciated him. Jack was my first boss and lawyer-mentor. He was the kind of boss everyone should have and the kind of lawyer every new lawyer should encounter. Even though I worked for and with Jack for just a few years, he always kept track of me and periodically called -- always expressing pride and encouragement to me. He made a difference in my life and I will always remember him with great fondness. Pam Merrell