With family by his side, Jim peacefully entered his eternal home Friday, Jan. 2, 2015.

He was born March 11, 1928, and lived his early life in Enterprise, Ore., where he met Joyce Smith, who became his loving wife of 63 years. Jim served overseas in the U.S. Army during the occupation of Japan phase of World War II. Joyce and Jim went on from Enterprise to live in Coeur d'Alene and Moscow, Spokane and Clarkston, and he worked as a master outboard motor mechanic for many years.

Jim was a lifelong outdoorsman who loved camping, hunting and fishing with family and friends. During the years in Clarkston, Jim became an active member of several muzzleloader clubs. This involvement led him to create a mountain man history presentation that he shared at local elementary schools in that area. Jim was always available when family or friends had a need for extra hands or for something to be fixed; thus, he was a great neighbor whether on a city street or next door in a camping area.

After living in Clarkston for 24 years, Jim and Joyce moved back to Spokane in 2000 to live closer to their children and the family they cherished. Memories of Jim's storytelling, his laughter, his open arms and home, and his unconditional love will be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Genevieve and Sig McCubbin; his loving wife, Joyce (Jan. 11, 2012); his son, Pfc. Ray Hombel (1969, serving as a Marine in Vietnam at the time of his death); and his two brothers, Don and Jude Hombel.

He is survived by his son, Guy and Charlene Hombel of Spokane; his daughter, Lynne and Dick Anderson of Horseshoe Lake, Wash.; grandsons Josh Hombel of Spokane, Bob and Rachel Blom of Cheney, Wash., Clint and Heather Anderson of Portland, Ore.; and granddaughters Melissa and Ryan Finnegan of Tehachapi, Calif., Angee Dwyer of Spokane, and Theresa and Matt Silver of Mead, Wash.; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. There are numerous friends, nieces and nephews who will also remember family outings, laughter and Granddad's stories.

Jim's family wants to thank the staff at both Royal Plaza Assisted Living and Royal Park Care and Rehab Center for the compassionate care they gave to our treasured Granddad during the final phases of his life. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 at Thornhill Valley Chapel, 1400 S. Pines Road, Spokane Valley, Wash. In lieu of flowers, donations to a local charity of one's choice would honor our dad.