Joe Combs

Caring, loyal, and hard working Jeffrey Allen Combs, “Joe” Combs lived a life full of family and good friends. Joe was a natural teacher who never hesitated to help others. Joe listened with his heart. Strong and smart Joe bravely faced life’s challenges with confidence and encouraged others to see their own greatness. His quick wit inspired much laughter. Joe will long be remembered as the rock for his family; his genuine spirit and commitment will long be remembered and so very missed.

It seems fitting that such a great man was born in the middle of the 60s the era of sex, drugs and rock & roll.

With much hope for the future, Michael and Maxine Combs welcomed their son Joe into their hearts and home on January 20, 1965. Michigan.

Growing up on 6 Mile in Comstock Park, Joe’s early years were filled with activity and family values. His father was a drywaller, and his mother worked at Baker Furniture. Along with his older brother Todd, Joe enjoyed riding bikes, horses, and motorcycles, hunting with their dad, and playing sports. Joe attended Greenridge Elementary, Riverside Middle, and Creston High School.

During his teens, Joe played hockey for school and often continued playing the game on the pond afterward. He also played football and spent a lot of time working on his 1972 Olds Cutlass to keep it running. He had a lot of friends, worked at the Alano Club, and genuinely enjoyed time with his family. A proud graduate of the class of 1983, Joe pursued his career through trade school training, becoming a member of the National Tooling Machine Association – Journeyman. For 16 years, Joe worked at Die-Matic Tool & Die as a tool and die maker. In his forties, he worked for Dean’s Excavating in Sand Lake. His artistic eye, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence ensured high quality and consistent excellence.

From the age of 12, Joe shared a close companionship with his friend, Holly King. Their first official date was to a midnight movie during Joe’s senior year of high school. Joe and Holly married on May 21, 1988, at St. James Lutheran Church, followed by a reception at Westside Complex. After honeymooning in Traverse City, they settled into their lives in an apartment on East Main Street in Rockford before purchasing a home on Porter Hollow. In 1999, Joe built his forever home on Scenic Pines Court.

Holly and Joe were married for 27 years. Though they eventually split up they remained friends and enjoyed spending holidays, birthdays, and special events together. They helped each other on special projects and made time for Sunday dinners with the kids. They were both so happy when they became grandparents and loved spending time together with their beautiful granddaughter, Eisley. Britney, Joey, and Brooke were the center of Joe’s world, and he was a good dad who taught his values by example. Honest and protective, Joe listened with an open and accepting heart. He worked hard to provide for his family and also knew the importance of having fun. Sarcastic and funny, Joe had a great sense of humor and was always cracking jokes. Sharing his love of hunting, fishing, riding, and how to build or fix things proved a great joy for Joe. The family also enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Yellowstone, stopping at Sturgis, South Dakota, for the annual motorcycle rally.

Whether hosting pig roasts for his family and friends, listening to his favorite tunes, tinkering on a project, or rescuing an animal, Joe lived each moment to the fullest. Joe could fix anything. He relished tinkering on cars, trucks, and tractors in the pole barn he built. Joe loved animals and had a soft heart for strays, he even rescued a raccoon he named Rocky. Classic songs by Led Zeppelin were his favorites, and he also enjoyed cheering on Dale Earnhardt Sr. and the Detroit Red Wings and Lions. Without a doubt, his granddaughter Eisley was absolutely his heart’s delight.

Though our days with Joe were far too few, every moment spent in his good company is a gift we will long treasure. May we find comfort in our many wonderful memories and in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. As we greet each day and person as a gift, choose laughter and hope over despair, and support our loved ones in every way possible, we celebrate the many ways Joe inspired us and keep his spirit alive.

Joe Combs, 58, went to heaven peacefully in his sleep on March 31, 2023. Joe leaves behind his high school sweetheart, Holly Combs; their children Britney, Joey, and Brooke Combs; one granddaughter, Eisley; his brother, Todd Combs; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Mike and Maxine Combs, and his father and mother-in-law, Richard and Mitzi King.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 8, 2023 with visitation at 1 PM followed by a service at 2 PM at Rockford Springs Community Church, 5815 14 Mile Rd, Rockford, MI 49341. To read more of Joe’s Life Story and leave a memory or condolence, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.