Charles “Jimmy” Toombs was 94 years old when he went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, in Flagstaff. Funeral services were held Oct. 6 at the First Baptist Church in Winslow. Interment was at Desert View Cemetery. Repast followed at the Faith Temple Church of God In Christ.
He was born Feb. 5, 1921, to Lilly and John Toombs in Hemphill, Texas.
Jimmy served in World War II and was awarded for his bravery with several medals, including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Middle Eastern Campaign, American Campaign, Victory and lapel button for Honorable Service.
Later in life he met and married Willie B. Armstrong on Dec. 26, 1946, in Gallup, N.M. They later moved to Winslow, where he went to work for Duke City Lumber Mill. After that he became a self-employed mechanic, and was able to build and operate his own business for 42 years.
Other than working, he enjoyed visiting with friends and strangers, as well as eating at his favorite restaurants. When he saw a child he knew, out came a dollar bill.
Jimmy had to retire to devote his time to his disabled wife. He was able to stay at home and care for himself for a while, then due to health reasons he was placed at The Peaks in Flagstaff.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Willie B.; his parents, John and Lilly Toombs; his son, Paul; two brothers Johnny Morris and Perry Gail; his sister, Plinay; a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law.
Jimmy leaves to cherish his memories one son, Jack “J.W.” Dunham and Mildred Dunham; grandchildren, who he loved dearly, Denise, Diane (Gary) Hoheisel, Maurice (Lori) and Quentin; great-grandchildren, Patrice, Michael, Jordan, Paige, Kristian, Haley, Jalen, Tia, Kataya and Kaleigh; two great-great-grandchildren, Leo Legend and Nya; two sisters-in-law, Elaine Dunigan and Rita Dunigan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins in different states.
“Papa Toombs,” as we called him, will never be forgotten.
Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow was in charge of the arrangements.
