James Coleman Halcomb

James Coleman Halcomb, 61, husband of Peggy Halcomb, passed July 25, 2015. He was born on August 23, 1953 in Delphia, Kentucky to the late Cecil Halcomb and Ethel Shephard Woosley. Jim was a retired police officer from the Bluegrass Airport Police Department where he served as a captain, sergeant, field training officer, senior officer in charge, lead firearms, and Use of Force instructor. Jim was certified as a firearms instructor and was certified as a Master Armor by both Smith & Wesson and Glock. He loved to write, draw and garden. James was a member of the Southland Christian Church. Survivors also include one daughter Jaime Caudill, one son Kyle (Lindsey) Halcomb, four grandchildren Madeline and Emma Caudill, Fischer and Kylie Halcomb. Two brothers Lee (Nancy) Halcomb and Terry Woosley (Craig), one sister Karen (David) Sharp and one special friend Bill Adkisson. Funeral service will be conducted at 11AM Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at Betts & West funeral home with Reverend Keith McKnight officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilmore Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Casket bearers will be Keith Moore, Carl Faulconer, Robert Powell, Gary Payne, Daniel Moore and Richard Graham. Honorary Casket bearer will be James 'Pete' Maupin. Memorial contributions are suggested to the UK Healthcare Transplant Program or KODA. Online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com

James C. Halcomb

Officer James C. Halcomb was appointed as a police officer with the Blue Grass Airport Police Department on September 25, 1980. Prior to joining the Force, Officer Halcomb also served as a police officer with the Nicholasville Police Department where he attended and successfully completed the Commonwealth of Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) Basic Police Academy in 1977.

In July of 1983, the Blue Grass Airport police and fire departments were combined to form the Blue Grass Airport Public Safety Department. The Department and its personnel were charged with law enforcement, aircraft rescue, firefighting and emergency medical assistance for passengers traveling through Blue Grass Airport as well as the citizens of Lexington and Fayette County. Officer Halcomb embraced and supported this change and ultimately was promoted to the rank of Public Safety Officer in July of 1983. As a Public Safety Officer, Jim was also successful in achieving certification as a professional fire fighter and emergency medical technician through the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He served as a public safety officer until his promotion to Public Safety Captain on February 24, 1984. During his tenure as Captain, Jim was responsible for leading and managing other public safety officers in their assigned activities and related calls for service, the formation of the Department's first narcotics canine program, and instructing department personnel in firearms and the proper use of force.

Besides serving as captain, Jim also served as a sergeant, field training officer, senior officer in charge, lead firearms, and Use of Force instructor. It is in the field of firearms and firearms instruction that Jim was the happiest and most content. From 1987 to 2000 Jim had a direct impact and influence in officer safety and survival for all sworn public safety officers at the Airport. Jim obtained certification as a firearms instructor from the Department of Criminal Justice Training in 1987 and was certified as a Master Armor by both Smith & Wesson and Glock. Additionally, during his career Jim received numerous letters of appreciation and commendations for his service. Of particular note, Jim received a letter of commendation from the Federal Aviation Administration for his professionalism and service in his handling of a bomb threat at the Airport on November 30, 1982.

Without question, Jim was a steadfast and loyal member of the Department of Public Safety who enjoyed a level of camaraderie and friendship with his co-workers that only time and shared service can develop. He retired from Blue Grass Airport on August 17, 2002 after twenty-two years of dedicated and humble service.

Prepared By

Blue Grass Airport Director

Visitation:
4-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home

Funeral:
11AM Wednesday

Interment:
Wilmore Cemetery