CLEARLAKE, Calif. – James William “Bill” Combs of Clearlake passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Jan. 31, 2018, at the age of 96.

Bill was born to Edgar and Lelia Combs in Brownington, Missouri, on May 17, 1921.

Bill married Mildred Carver in 1942 and they subsequently lived in Phoenix, Arizona while he served in the U.S. Air Force. Later they moved to Petaluma, California before settling down in Cotati in 1952.

They were drawn to the area because they both worked in poultry processing and Petaluma was known as the “Egg Basket of the World.”

Bill and Mildred raised their two sons, William and Kurt, while they operated several businesses in Sonoma County. In 1965, they divorced and Bill later married Minnie Gibbi.

During this second marriage, Bill worked as a general contractor and Realtor while Minnie managed the administrative aspect of his business operations. They built homes in west Sonoma County and later moved to Lake County.

Bill served on the board of directors for Hidden Valley Lake Community Association for several years. Bill gradually retired from his work a general contractor in the early 1990s. Minnie passed away in 1992.

Later that same year Bill met Carol Vella and they married in November 1992, living happily in Clearlake until Carol’s passing in 2017.

Bill and Carol were inseparable and had a deep love for one another. Bill continued buying and selling real estate and owned several homes in Lake County even during his retirement.

Bill is survived by his sons, William Combs and Kurt (Denise) Combs. Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Jack Combs and Mike Combs, and sister, Doris McGuire. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

On Saturday, March 10, a mass service will be held at Queen of Peace Church at 14435 Uhl Avenue in Clearlake. The service will be at 1 p.m. and followed by a luncheon reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice Services of Lake County at 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, 95453 or Queen of Peace Women’s Guild at Queen of Peace Church, 14435 Uhl Ave., Clearlake, 95422.