Memories of Jeffery Lee McComb

In memory of

Jeffery Lee McComb

Kill Devil Hills, NC

January 25, 1948 - July 23, 2020

Jan 25, 1948 - Jul 23, 2020

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Jeanette Lambert

So glad he is resting in peace among his peers. Would love to see pictures of the day if anyone took some.

Again...childhood friend is missed!!

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Jeanette Lambert

He was a great childhood friend growing up. He lived a great full life!

Will the service be lived streamed by any chance?

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Brian McComb

Comments:

Brian McComb

Jeanette, thank you for your kind words. As of now, we do not have a live stream set up, but it is something... Read more Jeanette, thank you for your kind words. As of now, we do not have a live stream set up, but it is something we are looking into.... Read more Jeanette, thank you for your kind words. As of now,... Read more

Brian McComb

2021, ONE DAYTONA, Daytona Boulevard, Daytona Beach, FL, USA

Today we honor Dad on his birthday with a $1000 donation to the NASCAR Foundation. See update for more information.

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$871.00

Raised by 6 people

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Joe Pantone

Was looking up shipmates from my active duty days. Jeff was my department head onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON CVN73 during the PRECOM and First deployment. He was an amazing leader and always had a way of getting his point across in a respectful way. He was a leader by example. Will never forget standing watch as Duty Security Officer while in a port. Some of our younger sailors got in trouble..I brought them back to the carrier...and had to wake him up for notification purposes as he was Officer of the Deck.... NO one wanted to wake up LCDR. He simply gave his typical...."give me the short story Pantone.." Followed by handle it so I don't have to and brief me in the AM. He was one of the ones who showed me how to lead by example , something that I applied when I left the Carrier after being recruited by the U.S. Secret Service. I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you sir....we have the watch.

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Brian McComb

Comments:

Brian McComb

Thanks so much for sharing Joe. Since his passing, it has been comforting to hear from many of Dad’s former... Read more Thanks so much for sharing Joe. Since his passing, it has been comforting to hear from many of Dad’s former co-workers and shipmates,... Read more Thanks so much for sharing Joe. Since his passing, ... Read more

Joe Pantone

God Bless you Brian and all of your family. Your Dad was a great man. God Bless you Brian and all of your family. Your Dad was a great man. God Bless you Brian and all of your family. Your Dad... Read more

Heidi Johnson

Sad to hear this . So sorry for your family . Always thought Of him as one of the several skating dads we had . What a beautiful tribute . Rip

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Brian McComb

Comments:

Brian McComb

Thank you Heidi. Dad was always a big fan of yours, in skating and in life. Hope you are well. God bless.... Read more Thank you Heidi. Dad was always a big fan of yours, in skating and in life. Hope you are well. God bless. Thank you Heidi. Dad was always a big fan of yours,... Read more

Larry McComb

Below is what I prepared and for the most part presented at Dad's memorial. I hope there words help everyone find comfort.
--------------------------------------------------
Hello,

Thank you to everyone who put this together. Dad would be proud and appreciative.

First off, I want to say that God has a plan and it may take 50 years to start seeing the plan come together, or it may take all your entire life to understand the plan and how the life events line up to an end. Today I’d like to take some time and express how grateful we, my family, are for my father’s guidance and impact on us.

DAD WAS A DAD

He was hot headed at times and fun to be around at others – mostly later in life. He took on the typical and the unexpected responsibilities of a father. With the help of the U.S. Navy, the necessities such as food, clothes and lodging were provided and some of the privileges everyone dreams of such as cars and trips to the lake were provided when feasible. Nothing extravagant, but memorable. He supported us all through life events.

When we lived in China Lake, the northern desert of California, one of our fist expeditions was to the mountains in our 1979 Mustang where we promptly became stuck in the snow in Sherman’s Pass which reinforced Dad's decision to get a truck. The new Ranger F-150 was quickly outfitted with a camper shell with plywood seats in the bed which became Dawn, Brian and my home on the road. Dad would take us all over California off roading from where the filming of "Lost in Space" was conducted and camping in Yosemite.

During our years in China Lake I was involved in Boy Scouts and Dad went on several camping trips with us. One I remember specifically was a trip where I thought he was going to have a kid’s head. We were setting up the fire to cook dinner and a couple of us found an old rusty metal grate perfect for holding pans above the fire. One kid was a smart ass and asked if we were going to get germs. Dad asked, "What kills germs?" looking for the answer to be fire. This kids answer was “Lysol”. If looks could kill Dad would be in trouble.

The instinctual cat like reflexes were exercised for each of his first three children while in California. Today we have social media and TV to document and distribute fathers from all over the world grabbing kids out of the grips of danger at the last minute, so I’ll try to describe these events in detail.

In my case I mentioned the Mustang getting stuck in the snow. This was when Dad saved me from being ran over. Dad and I were pushing the car and the car slid sideways into my direction and pulling me under the rear of the car. Before I knew it Dad had me by the back of the jacket and up in the air.

The instance I remember most revolving around Dawn was when we were tubing in the snow. Three tubes back to back going down the hill with me up front, Dawn in the middle and Dad and Brian on the final tube. Unfortunately for Dawn the bottom of the hill laid two drainage ditches and her tube ended the trip upside down and her head planted in the snow. Before we stopped moving Dad was up moving Brian and I out of the way. The loving brothers that Briand and I were peeled over laughing, but Dad did not find it funny.

For Brian it was our trip to Yosemite with Dad and Uncle Brian. Brian was about 11 or 12 and tripped over a stone surrounding the fire and fell in. Dad snatched him up with a quickness and started brushing embers off his back.

Dad took on the task of the pit crew Brian and I when we were involved in speed skating. Dad hauled us all over Virginia, North Carolina and as far as Florida, changed wheels between races, helped raise money by working Bingo.

While I appreciate Dad taking on the challenges of teaching us life skills, one thing I did not like to do with Dad was work on cars. Rather I did not like watching Dad work on cars. Everything from brakes to oil to a complete electrical re-wire on the awesome 1969 Toyota Corona which did not have reverse. This car was a piece, nothing extravagant, but given the challenges of Mom and Dad's breakup it was what we had, and it worked. This car also helped me understand the importance of reliable transportation.

The only time I liked working on the truck was when we went to the hobby shop on base. The hobby shop had every tool you could want and a lot less complaining about tools missing.

Dad was always supportive and made time to come to all the special events such as graduations, weddings and making memories with trips to races.

Dad was our father and did most of what I would expect of a father, not all, but most. Those things he did not take on were for a reason and helped me develop my independence. Dad had his character flaws, but he had some key traits that made him who he was and is to us.

SELFLESSNESS

Dad was selfless and when I look back, he placed the needs and wishes of others above his own throughout his life. Don’t get me wrong, he rewarded himself also.

I believe a key example of his willingness to give and put other first is with Nick, Tiffany and myself. My family knows that Dad was not my biological father and over the past few ten years I have had an opportunity to see our relationship from Dad's point of view through our dear friends. This is a “God has a plan” moment for me.

Melissa and I have friends that have gone through some tough times by both losing their spouse at a very early age. My friend Brian, as if there are not enough Brians in the world, married our friend, Brooke, who has a son from her first marriage, to my roommate and good friend Brian who passed away when her son was not even one year old.

Brandon knows about his biological father but has not real memories of him. Obviously, I can relate to Brandon, but now I can start to relate to Dad through the man raising Brandon. The challenges they are going through are similar. One thing that is distinctly different, and this is what really sets Dad apart in my eyes, is that Brandon's father is not able to come back into the picture.

We all know that Dawn, Brian and I were perfect children just as mine are today (see my grey hair) and only made things easy on Dad. You know like a bull fighter makes things easy on the bull. Even so, for Dad to take on the responsibility of raising me at the young age of 22 was immense. At 22 I did not know which way was up and this decision to take on the responsibility is huge. Honestly after growing up and spending time with my Grandmother and Grandfather it’s not as much a surprise now looking back. Remember I was a child that was not his, especially the first child and he took on the task without regard to the possibility of my biological father possibly coming back into the picture in one way or another (either him reaching out or me making the decision to find him).

The realization of the responsibility taken hit me quick, at an early age, when I learned that Dad adopted me. The fact that anyone that was willing to take on the responsibility to raise a child that was not their own was worthy of my respect and commitment to not ever pursue a connection. Even when the opportunity was offered, I declined then and would still today.

HONOR, HUMILITY & HUMBLENESS

Dad was honorable and stood by his morals, commitments and convictions. He always did what he thought was right regardless of other’s opinions. I can provide several examples where I did not agree with Dad’s decisions, but as I grew older, I came to understand that everyone makes the bed they sleep in and if they are comfortable it’s up to them. This is much harder to swallow for those who we love. I do believe the Dad’s decisions were for the best of the family. He was a provider by nature and once he made the decision to provide, he made sure he did.

Dad completed his military service with humility, from my view, and he was humble. As his career progressed from the enlisted ranks to leadership roles after taking the LDO path he never appeared to boast or make a big deal over the promotions in our home. I have heard stories about his leadership from peers on dependent day cruises and squadron cook outs with high regard. While his techniques may have produced results in the Navy, I can’t say we favored his methods at home. But remember God has a plan.

There are always those who want to tear a person down as they excel, and we had them in our family also. Some people like the drama. I don’t recall Dad ever acknowledging the negative comments and just kept doing his job they way he knew how.

FUN LOVING

Dad was full of it – full of life that is and as he grew older, he mellowed out and I could see the inner child come out more and more. Perhaps the time apart allowed us to enjoy the timer together deeper, but I could see the appreciation of the time together in him. Christmas and at the lake playing games and going to the races, especially when we were going to the souvenir trailers or go karting, we would see how much life was in him.

A GOOD MAN

In closing. I just want to say thank you Dad. You were hard on us kids at times, but the lessons rang deep and prepared me.

Three words that have been constant over my life from one of my first interactions with Mr. Allen some 30 plus years ago to my cousin Nathan after hearing of Dad's passing a week ago. These words are that Dad was A GOOD MAN. I agree, Dad was a good man and someone we can be proud of to call Dad.

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Brian McComb

Dawn McComb

Larry McComb

Dad in his red shirt riding imaginary scooter

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Brian McComb

Dawn McComb

Brian McComb

This video was shown at Jeff's memorial this past Saturday. I have uploaded and linked for those who requested.

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Susan McComb

Dawn McComb

Larry McComb

Brian McComb

Comments:

Jeanette Lambert

Thanks so much for sharing this since we couldn't be there. I think I am the one that took their picture... Read more Thanks so much for sharing this since we couldn't be there. I think I am the one that took their picture in the matching Hawaiian... Read more Thanks so much for sharing this since we couldn't be... Read more

Emily Stebing

2016, San Diego, CA, USA

Lemmy & Uncle Jeff

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Brian McComb

Dawn McComb

Anna McComb

Larry McComb

Emily Stebing

What an amazing tribute to such a special man. I would expect nothing less from the author(s). You are all so loved. I am sad that I will not be there in person today to be with you as you celebrate and honor Jeff's life. I pray for God’s comfort and healing for my cousins -- Larry, Dawn, Brian, Tiffany, Chris, Nick and their families, his siblings -- my mom Kathy, Brian, Brenda and their families, Aunt Sherry, and all of his extended family and friends.

To my uncle: The most unexpected bonus of living in San Diego was getting to spend so much time with you when you were here on business over the years. Now more than ever, when family sometimes feels so far away and time together is too few and far between, I feel fortunate that I was here to visit when you came. From crashing a work happy hour, tagging along at a dinner with colleagues and friends, visiting places you used to take your mom and dad when you were stationed here, touring the USS Midway together (much better than any headphone guided tour could ever provide I will add), or just hanging out at the house and talking…I will cherish each of those moments with you forever. Your chuckle was infectious, and paired well with a jack & ginger. Thanks for that too.

I hope to be there to honor you at your service in Arlington, the place I was lucky enough to actually visit for the first time with you, Sherry, and Nick that (COLD!) day in 2005 when I was visiting.

I’m glad we were able to exchange an “I love you” through Brian last week. I wish I could have said it in person. You will be forever missed and forever loved.

-Em(my)

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Larry McComb

Brian McComb

Dawn McComb

Anna McComb

Ruthie Nemire

Shared a heart

Dave Lepard

He who knew Jeff can only state he was an outstanding Dad, Uncle, Papa and Husband and Naval Officer. To Jeff's family: the pain of your lose will subside somewhat over time, Jeff will always be in your thoughts and ideas just know he's still going fast and making left turns. Thank you for sharing Jeff with our Nation, his service to our great counrty both as a sailor and civilian will be remembered. God Bless you all..... as Jeff told me once it's just racing!
Warm regards, CAPT. Dave Lepard, US NAVY (RET)

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Brian McComb

Dawn McComb

Anna McComb

Larry McComb

Gary Laun

Jeff was a great shipmate and a dedicated Ordie he will be missed!!
CDR Gary Laun, USN Retired.

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Brian McComb

Anna McComb

Larry McComb

Comments:

Bill Shay

Bill Shay - I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jeff whom I have known for well over thirty years and ... Read more Bill Shay - I am deeply saddened by the passing of Jeff whom I have known for well over thirty years and honored to have been ... Read more Bill Shay - I am deeply saddened by the passing of ... Read more

Bill Allen

Shared a heart

Brian McComb

Dawn McComb

Anna McComb

Larry McComb

Comments:

Bill Allen

He is my best friend. I will miss him. We had a lot of good times together and spent a lot of money on NASCAR... Read more He is my best friend. I will miss him. We had a lot of good times together and spent a lot of money on NASCAR and motorhomes ... Read more He is my best friend. I will miss him. We had a lot... Read more

Skyler McComb

Shared a heart

Dawn McComb

Debbie Marshall

So sorry to hear of Jeff passing. We had some good times when the boys (Brian and Larry) were skating. We all were like family at that time along with Bill Allen.

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Larry McComb

Brian McComb

Dawn McComb

Robert McComb

West Unity, OH, USA

Easter time at the church in West Unity.

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Dawn McComb

Robert McComb

When we were very young

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Dawn McComb

Comments:

Robert McComb

Jeff was such a witty person, even when he was young. Also, very mischievous, as you can see in the above... Read more Jeff was such a witty person, even when he was young. Also, very mischievous, as you can see in the above picture. Jeff was such a witty person, even when he was young.... Read more

Robert McComb

I am so sad to hear of the passing of my cousin Jeff. My dad and Fred (Jeff's dad) were close and we visited them often when they were living in West Unity, OH. I have fond memories of going to the egg place and getting eggs for Aunt Violet with Jeff. I remember playing table hockey with him in the basement of their home in West Unity.

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Comments:

Brian McComb

Thanks for the kind comments, Robert. Befittingly, my dad and I had an interesting conversation about you... Read more Thanks for the kind comments, Robert. Befittingly, my dad and I had an interesting conversation about you two days before he passed.... Read more Thanks for the kind comments, Robert. Befittingly, ... Read more

Anthony Arizmendi

May you Rest In Peace Uncle.
Always Loved, Never Forgotten.

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Anthony Arizmendi

Shared a heart

Dwight McComb

Shared a heart

Sandra Hawkins

Shared a heart

Christina Ann

I’m so sorry for the family’s loss and if there is anything I can do please let me know. My condolences and I send my love and prayers for peace for you all!

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