James "Jay" E. Holcomb, 85, of Tiffin, went to be with the Lord Saturday evening, January 17, 2015 at Volunteers of America Autumnwood Care Center in Tiffin.

On September 18, 1929 in Whitesburg, KY, he was born to James and Lennie (Cook) Halcomb. He married Louvena "Lou" Caudill on September 8, 1952 and she preceded him in death in 2002.

Survivors include a son, Michael Wayne (June) Holcomb of Tiffin; daughters, Donna Sue (Rick) Morris of Gainesville, FL; Judith Gail (Sam) Brommer of Tiffin; Jamie Renee (Jay) Dyson of Phoenix, AZ; a sister, Faye (Norman) Mohr of LaBelle, FL; ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a brother, Lenville Halcomb and sisters, Ollie Craft, Emmaline Ison, and Norma Jean Cornett.

Jay was a longtime member and volunteer of Calvary Baptist Church, current member of Grace Baptist Church and former owner of Jay's Carpet Sales for almost 40 years. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a paratrooper and glider pilot with the 82nd Airborne, re-enlisted for six more years as a tank commander with Company B, 57th Tank Battalion. Jay was a lifetime member of the DAV, loved fishing, hunting and could be found at area dirt track races every weekend. He enjoyed making friends and witnessing his faith with everyone he met.

His funeral service will be Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Grace Baptist Church, 161 North St. Rt. 101, Tiffin, OH 44883 with Rev. Jerry Boylan officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmont Cemetery with military honors by the United Veterans Council.

Friends may visit with the family and share stories on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH 44883, 419-447-2424 and on Wednesday at the church from 9:30-10:00 AM, prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Baptist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com