Joseph "Jimmy" Bombard

Joseph "Jimmy" Bombard 77 of Worcester died Wednesday December 1, 2021 at UMass Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.  Born in Worcester, Jimmy was the son of the late Joseph and Helen (Ambrose) Bombard. 

Jimmy is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Susan, four daughters, Rebecca George and her husband James, Barbara Bombard-Hazen, Brenda Bombard-Bergstrom and her husband Dean, Beth Bombard, two brothers Paul and his wife Marsha of Avon Ct. and their family, Stephen and his wife Lorrie of Charlton and their family, six Grand Children, Danielle, Nicolette, Ariana, Gabriella, Christian, and Erica, and five Great Grand Children, and beloved nieces and nephews.  Jimmy was predeceased by one Brother Francis Bombard.

Jimmy joined the Air Force when he was 17 and was stationed in Lincoln Nebraska where he met his future wife, Susan.  Early in their courtship they discovered not only that they were born on the same day, and the same year, but also the same hour, Jim being first by 10 minutes.  When his service was completed, they returned to Worcester where they spent the rest of their lives.  The transition from a small town in Nebraska was a challenge for Sue, but she was immediately embraced by his cousin Dick and his beautiful family, and became a part of theirs. 

Jim was true “guys guy” loved life, loved his family, and especially loved his friends, and he had many.  Jimmy made lasting friendships where ever he went.  From his years managing T.O. Flynn’s Restaurant to his years as VP and General Manager of the Eagle Snack Division of Budweiser at Consolidated Beverage.  When corporate burn out set in, Jim spent the next 18 years driving 18 wheelers for Lajoie Brothers Transport.  He carried with him deep and lasting friendships from these ventures. 

Jim discovered golf at the age of 23 and pursued the game for the rest of his life.  The last year was difficult as his health was declining but with the help and encouragement of all of his friends and their “Senility League” he was able to accomplish one last round of 18 holes in September. 

In the early 1990’s Jim discovered the sport of drag racing answering a friends challenge to race his 1967 Firebird which was just a “cruising” car at the time.  He was hooked.  He spent the next 20 years chasing that perfect run.  25 years ago, Jim challenged his new friend to a day of racing, and CMDR (Central Mass Drag Racing) was born. That group of 23 guys has now grown to several hundred and encompasses more then Central Mass.  From this also, our wonderful memories of caravan road trips throughout the North East, and lasting friendships was formed. 

Memories also of vacations, summers at Old Orchard Beach, trips with friend to Aruba, winter trips to Florida and all those nights around his fire pit swapping stories with friends and neighbors.  But at the end of the day the heart and soul of his life was his family.  Sue and his four girls and their children.  That’s where the love grew.

Someone said that Jim was a legend, a strong presence no matter where he was.  And this is true.  Jim was a man who loved deeply and gave his love freely.  Many people came through his life in these last difficult months, and his fondness and gratitude for them and their kindness, he carried with him, as do we.  Thank you to everyone who has ever touched his life, and been his friend, and made him feel loved. 

Funeral services for Jimmy will be held from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. Worcester, Ma 01605.  Calling hours will be Monday December 6, 2021 from 4-7pm.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday December 7, 2021 at 11am at Blessed Sacrament Church 55 Pleasant St. Worcester, Ma 01602.  Burial with military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery Worcester. 

To leave a note of condolence for the family, please visit www.mercadantefuneral.com