BBFI NETWORK NEWS
Editorial
A GREAT MAN HAS PASSED
by Dr. Neal Weaver, President
Louisiana Baptist University
I was saddened last evening to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Dr. James Combs. I was able to visit with him just a couple of weeks ago while I was in Springfield, MO. I stopped by Braum’s and took him his favorite milkshake and had a great visit with him. He was having a very good day and we had a delightful visit that lasted an hour. We reminisced, told jokes and talked a lot about the future of Louisiana Baptist University. As always, he had a very positive outlook about the future for the University and Seminary.
Many will know him as a pastor and instructor at Pacific Coast Bible Baptist College, while he was in California. Others became acquainted with Jimmy Combs while he was editor of the Tribune. I will remember him most for the over 20 years that he served as our Provost. While I had known Jimmy Combs for many years, it wasn’t until after I came to LBU that we became fast friends. Until his illness, we spoke almost daily on the phone. He was always a great help and encourager. He often addressed me as “partner”. Almost everyone knew Bro. Jimmy and he was able to focus a lot of attention toward LBU. He was certainly one of the smartest men that I ever met.
In 2004, Dr. Combs and I co-authored a book titled, “Our Biblical Baptist Heritage.” I had begun writing the book a year earlier. When he offered to help I suggested that we co-author it. It focused on the growth of fundamentalism in the twentieth century and his first-hand knowledge was invaluable. Since its printing we have sold and given away several thousand copies.
Jimmy enjoyed every phase of his life, as pastor, editor, prophecy speaker and as Provost of LBU/LBTS. He especially enjoyed the work at LBU over the last 20 years. He often spoke of being able to touch so many lives and ministers around the world. His ministry and legacy will live on through those men and women.