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James Ralph Dombey

James Ralph Dombey

James Ralph Dombey, 88, of Pensacola, Fla. passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020.

Jim was born in Cleveland, Ohio and grew up there. When he graduated from Cornell University, he became Ensign Dombey and began flight training in Pensacola. He had met his wife of nearly 66 years on Christmas night, and one year later, they were married and drove to Pensacola via Point Clear.

After he received his wings, they returned to Pensacola for helicopter training. On deployment from his squadron in Lakehurst, N.J., he flew plane guard on aircraft carriers. When his tour was up, they returned to Cleveland. Jim and Katie, always family first, shared all Cleveland’s great places to go and things to do with Jim, Carolyn and John, including sailing, hiking, and Sunday visits to the museums in University Circle. He flew in the U.S. Navy Reserves until retirement, when they moved back to Pensacola, where they felt truly at home.

He was a deacon and sang in the choir of Bay Presbyterian Church. He loved classical as well as big band and Dixieland music, and spent many summers at Chautauqua, N.Y., in a cottage only a few steps from the Amphitheater and the symphony and lectures there. He was an avid sailor, and enjoyed their trips to Europe, especially Italy and Venice, both on the Royal Clipper and a canal barge. Pensacola history was brought to life at the lectures by John Appleyard and the Heritage Foundation.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph H. and Katherine M. Dombey.

He is survived by his wife, Katie; son, Jim (Laurie); daughter, Carolyn (Hans) Lichtfuss; son, John (Jill); ten grandchildren: Sandra, James, Alecia, Erich, Kristi, Heidi, Kurt, Stefan, Anne, Anson; and 11 great-grandchildren: Owen, Lara, Kaylee, Elle, Daniel, Ema, Anna. Declan, Elisha, Rowan and Luke.

A funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, 2020 for Barrancas National Cemetery for a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. The Rev. Mike Mashburn will officiate and full military honors will be observed.