James Edward Coomes

James E. Coomes, 89, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital with his family by his side. He was born December 23, 1934 in Whitesville as the oldest of nine siblings to the late Lester and Elizabeth Coomes. James was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church for 65 years. He retired from Green River Steel where he served as a millwright. James enjoyed reading and studying about Kentucky history, was constantly working a crossword puzzle and loved telling stories.

Preceding him in death was the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Barbara Wilkerson Coomes. 

 Those left behind to cherish his memory include his children, Pam Riney and her husband Chuck of Charlotte, N.C., Carla Schafer of Atlanta, GA and Jimmy Coomes and his wife Georgia of Owensboro. James was lovingly known as “Gran” to his grandchildren, 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. His great-grandchildren held a special place in his heart, Parker, Charlie, Sam, Kate, Abbi, Lucy, Weston, Will, Josie, Max, Claire, Jacob, Ellen Anne, Blake, Isa and Lakely. He is also survived by siblings, Virginia (Kenny) Blanford, Cecelia (Jerry) Wilkerson, Mary Catherine Payne, Dennis Coomes, Gerald (Judy) Coomes, Sam (Betty) Coomes, Tony (Johnnie) Coomes, Tom (Jill Ward) Coomes; and many nieces and nephews.

 The funeral Mass will be 11 AM Saturday, September 14, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church with burial following in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, with prayers at 6:30 PM, and 9:00 to 10:30 AM Saturday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. 

 Memorial contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692 The family would like to give a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff on the 8th floor of Owensboro Health Regional Hospital for the care of James, “Dad” and “Gran”. 

 Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.