James K. Holcombe

James K. "Jim" "Whim" Holcombe, 69, of Mohrsville, went to be with our Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 29, 2025 in Tower Health - Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading. He was the loving husband of Karen Sue "Suzie" (Moyer) Holcombe, whom he married on June 21, 1980 and who stood by his side through thick and thin, epitomizing the love and partnership they shared. Jim often referred to them as a "team". Together, they created a beautiful life filled with love, respect, and shared dreams. 

Born on April 9, 1956 in Pottstown, PA, James was a son of the late Catherine (Kauffman) Holcombe and Paul L. Holcombe, Jr. His early days were spent in Knauertown, Chester County, where he had fond memories playing in what is now known as St. Peter's Village. In 1967, Jim's family moved to Mohrsville to help his grandparents with their family farm. The move from Owen J. Roberts School District to Schuylkill Valley School District was challenging, but Jim pursued his athletic interests and musical talents. He played and lettered in baseball, football, track & field, and wrestling as well as participated in intramurals. During his senior year at Schuylkill Valley, Jim was co-captain of the football team and a prospect for Wake Forest University until an injury side-lined him during that same year. His accomplishments were not overlooked, and Jim was awarded an Outstanding Senior Athlete award in 1974. Jim was also musically inclined and played trombone in the high school band, brass ensemble, pep band, pit band, and stage band.

Following his graduation from Schuylkill Valley in 1974, Jim attended Penn State University - Berks Campus. Professionally, Jim worked as a tractor trailer driver for several companies including Reading Bone Fertilizer, Van Mar Feeds, Unclaimed Freight, and most recently, Clover Farms Dairy for 32 years until his retirement in 2017.

Jim continued his athletic interests by playing softball for Unclaimed Freight in the Reading Fast Pitch League, Reading Bone Fertilizer, Bob Hoffman's Garage, Ziegler's Nursery and Belleman's Church. He also played flag football for a league sponsored by Santilli Oil Co and was a member of the Belleman's Church bowling team. Jim served as a coach for the Leesport Area Athletic Association Lions Mite and Midget football teams. He also began coaching for the Schuylkill Valley Girl's Softball Association when his daughter started playing softball and continued coaching with SVGSA for many years. He came out of coaching retirement in 2009 to help his daughter coach Oley Valley Jr. High softball for a season. When his playing and coaching days were over, Jim enjoyed supporting all Berks County sports and he could be found at the top of the bleachers with his wife by his side. 

Jim loved his role of being "Pop-pop" for the last 11 years, attending every sporting event and activity he could that involved his grandchildren. He also enjoyed showing them what he knew about farming, gardening, sports and wildlife. 

Jim was a dedicated and faithful member of Salem Belleman's Church. He served on the U.C.C. Consistory and was the Secretary for Consistory since 1977. He was also a member of the church board, mission team, choir, Sunday School Orchestra and participated in church suppers, picnics and other fundraisers. He was humbled to have attended a church mission trip to Louisiana. Jim was an accomplished musician, trombonist and bass vocalist. In addition to Salem Belleman's Sunday School Orchestra and Choir he was also a member of the Reading Moravian Brass Choir, Lebanon Moravian Brass Choir, Brass in Praise, Reading Moravian Choir and Lebanon Moravian Choir, and was a fill-in musician for various other groups including Trinity Lutheran Wernersville Sunday School Orchestra, Kutztown University Alumni Band, and the Philharmonic Band of Reading.

Jim loved agriculture and was passionate about farming. While growing up around farming, Jim was active in 4-H in the Baby Beef Club in Chester and Berks Counties where he won many awards including Outstanding Fitter, Showmanship, and Grand Champion Steer. He was also a lifetime member of 4-H and a Berks County 4-H Beef Club leader for many years as well as being a member of the National Angus Association and Berks County Farm Preservation. In addition to farming, Jim enjoyed hunting and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He was very proud that he shot his first buck at the family farm. 

Jim had a profound appreciation for the beauty of the world around him, and his legacy is one of compassion, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to family and friends. He possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people, making each person feel valued and understood. His infectious spirit and wise counsel will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Jim's selfless decision to be an organ and tissue donor will help save the lives of many individuals.

While usually quiet and reserved, Jim also enjoyed a good laugh and found amusement in imitating the likes of Curly from the Three Stooges, Vincent Van Gopher from Deputy Dawg, as well as Fat Albert and Mush Mouth from the Fat Albert cartoon series. 

Along with his wife of 45 years, "Ques", Jim is survived by his two children, Michael J. Holcombe, Leesport, PA and Kelly L. (Holcombe), wife of Andrew Kauffman, Oley, PA; two grandchildren, Emmalynn M. and Archer J. "Archie" Kauffman, Oley, PA; siblings, Paul L. Holcombe III, husband of Son Cha Holcombe, Enon, OH, Cathy E. (Holcombe), wife of George del Fierro, Sr., Spring Valley, NY, and Ann E. (Holcombe), wife of Mark Stump, Mohrsville, PA; and their families. He was predeceased by an infant niece: Elizabeth A. Stump. In addition to his family, Jim was also a proud fur-dad to his kitty Blackie Mae and puppy Sir Charles. 

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Jim's life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in Salem Belleman's Church, 3540 Belleman's Church Road, Mohrsville, PA. A special musical tribute will begin at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be held at a later date. The family will receive family and friends following the service in the fellowship hall during the luncheon only. Feel free to wear your favorite sports jersey, Jim's favorite color blue or any John Deere apparel in honor of some of his favorite interests. As we gather to commemorate Jim's life, let us unite in gratitude for the time we shared and the love he radiated. May his spirit continue to inspire us as we celebrate the remarkable individual he was.

To View Jim's Memorial Service, please click here.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Scholarship Fund in Jim's Memory c/o Salem Belleman's Church, 3540 Belleman's Church Road, Mohrsville, PA 19541.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Jim's obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.