Jim Coomes, longtime Clearlake Oaks resident, passed away on May 2, 2012, at St. Helena Hospital in Deer Park. He was 76 years old.

Jim is survived by a brother, Larry Coomes of Tucson, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Charlotte”Chug” Coomes. “Chug” was a resident of Clearlake.

Jim was born in Sheldon, IA, on April 4, 1936, and graduated from high school in 1954. He received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of South Dakota and an MSW from the University of Denver.

Jim worked many years for the City of Denver in the welfare department setting up grants and working in communities around the country on behalf of people.

In 1968 Jim moved to Southern California where he completed a three year course in the theological field. In the mid seventies he moved to Marin County where he again worked in social services, which he loved.

In 1985 Jim moved to Lake County and became the first family consultant for Redwood Caregiver Resource Center, a new state-funded program for families living with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive brain impairments.

In 1991 Jim went to work for the Home Health Department of Redbud Hospital, where he worked until his retirement. During this time, he received the employee of the year.

Jim worked for many community organizations as a volunteer and was instrumental in starting the HIV clinic in Lake County as well as the sheriff’s program, “You Are Not Alone.”

His passion was his love of music and he readily shared it with everyone, including the annual “Celebration of Light” for Hospice each year, nursing homes, and local churches as well as other celebration. He was a member of Galilee Lutheran Church in Kelseyville.

Lake County is a better place because Jim lived here and helped so many people. He will be missed by his many friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at Galilee Lutheran Church, 8860 Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville, Calif., on June 17, 2012, at 3 p.m. A reception will be held after the service in the community center.