James Carl Bombatch

BOMBATCH – James Carl “Bomber”, 83, of Johnstown, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous two-year battle with leukemia. Born February 5, 1942, in Johnstown, the son of Carl and Ethel (Alberter) Bombatch. Preceded in death by parents; brother, Donald Bombatch; and sister-in-law, Karen Bombatch. Survived by his loving wife of 43 ½ years, Susan (Glover) Bombatch; daughters, Renẻe married to Stephen Gray, and Natalie married to Ronald Samuel; beloved grandson, Wyatt James Samuel; and step-granddaughter, Savannah Burk. James is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Connie (Glover) Ostroha, Stephen Glover and wife Marianna, Phyllis (Glover) Berkebile, and Michael Glover; nephews, Zachary Bombatch and wife Chelsea and their children Andy and Allie, Justin Glover, Ethan Berkebile, Andrew Glover, and Phillip Glover; special friends, Nick and Mary Ann Jacobs; and “daughters” Christine (Bonanni) Weik and Jennifer (Heider) Wolfe. Jim was a teacher in the Greater Johnstown School District for 39 years. He was proud of his students and often referred to them as his “kids”. When he thought he had retired, he was mistaken. After only a few short months, his friend Nick convinced him he still had more to give. Jim went on to work at the Windber Research Institute, serving as Tissue Bank Manager for nine years. He knew a lot, but what mattered most was that he always wanted to know more. He watched jeopardy and read the newspaper every day, faithfully working through the jumble and crossword puzzles, watched anything educational he could find, and took genuine joy in learning something new. Jim also enjoyed family game nights (Dominoes champion), visiting Ocean City, MD in the off-season with his wife, planting his vegetable garden each year (especially his Rutgers tomatoes), and going out to dinner with his class of ’59 group. Most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with his girls and sharing his love of learning and teaching. If there is one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that Jim had a sharp sense of humor—rich with wit, sarcasm, and perfectly timed remarks. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, curiosity, generosity, and love, along with a basement full of tools and carefully saved parts that might still come in handy someday. Friends will be received for a memorial gathering on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc. Memorial service will directly follow at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jim to Windber Hospice at 600 Somerset Ave, Windber, PA 15963. Jim’s family would like to thank Windber Hospice for the loving care and kindness afforded to him. They’d also like to thank the many doctors, nurses, and aides at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, who participated in Jim’s care.

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