Geneva James (nee Combs) 6/7/1932 - 12/16/2013 Every so often, the Lord takes an "81 year young" person to Heaven and it just makes you wonder if the folks on the other side needed a soul with a high fun factor to shake things up a bit. Now it's the Lord's turn to put up with Geneva's sense of humor. Geneva Dare James (nee Combs) who never met a pun or one-liner she didn't like, passed away Dec.16 after a lifetime filled with laughter, dancing, challenges and more laughter. Her siblings and friends knew she didn't take herself too seriously in life so they're certainly not going to start now. She lived a fun life, tried to be a good person, was a great mom, and hopefully did a lot of good during her time on Earth. Please try to celebrate her life and accomplishments during this time but you'd better be just a little sad, too, or she'll be slightly disappointed! Humor her by reading this entire obit. She knows it's long and she's sure it's expensive, but that's what life insurance is for! Plus, this is her only chance to get this all in print. It's not like anyone gets a second chance at this! Geneva had an unusual childhood in that she was born in a log cabin (yes really!) with no electricity or indoor plumbing and was the youngest of 12! Born June 7, 1932, in Elton, WI to the late Ernest and Dora Combs. Their most important contribution to the person she became (along with a solid set of values) was the constant positive reinforcement they provided for her and her siblings. The family moved to Green Bay when Geneva started high school. A 1950 graduate of Green Bay East High School, she became the original "Party Doll" (her favorite song) and never missed a dance at the Riverside Ballroom or the downtown Y. She and long time girl friend Lois parked cars on their lawn for Packer games at the old stadium when they lived on Cherry St and then took snapshots of themselves sitting in the cool convertibles! Geneva moved to Kennewick, WA. in 1953 (she was a runaway bride and went to hide out at a sisters house). She did eventually find love and married Emery Butcher in 1954. The couple raised three awesome children, Robin, Cindy and Jimmy, who were the pride and joy of their life...at least that is what Robin, Cindy and Jimmy believe to be true! Always flamboyant and real snappy dresser, Geneva's first granddaughter at the age of 4 told her "Gram Gram, you look like you are from Hollywood" and thus, Geneva was forever known as Gram Gram Hollywood to all the grandkids! Geneva lived in 10 different states during her adventurous and fun filled lifetime, always making a beautiful home for her family. She was pre-deceased by first husband Emery and second husband Paul James. She returned to her beloved Green Bay and many, many, many nieces, nephews, family and friends in 2005 when she learned that her health was failing. She never complained and continued to be the "party doll" that everyone knew her to be. Every Friday night for 7 years, she had an open house get together in her large basement party room for family and friends to come and talk about their week, to sing karaoke or even dance. Sometimes up to 30 people would descend on a Friday and gather at a large round table...and everyone started calling it the meeting of the Round Table! The laughter always rang out loud on Fridays at Geneva's house! Genny (her nickname) had a big heart and an undying love for her family. Above all, she understood that life was a brief gift from God, and that it should be enjoyed to its fullest. A few other things before she signs off to her siblings Catherine, Bernice, Bill, Dick, Odessa, Gordon, Garland, Dorothy, Emma, Margaret and Garnet Jenkins (the only surviving sibling), she wants to thank them for having been a great family, and being there through thick and thin. To everyone else she considered a friend, thank you for positively impacting her life. To her wonderful grandchildren, Stacy, Andrea, Krista, Dakota, Leandra, Melissa, Tiffany and Brittany, and to her special niece Garnet Lee, and her sons-in-law; Paul and Henry, and daughter-in-law Kathy, she says: If I should go before the rest of you Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone, Nor when I'm gone speak in a Sunday voice But be the usual selves that I have known. Weep if you must, Parting is hell, But Life goes on, So sing as well. This fun-filled sendoff was approved by Genny prior to her death. She requests that you remember the joy with which she lived her life, and have peace in knowing she lives today in paradise with the Lord. A special thank you to Aurora's Dr.Goolsby and his wonderful staff and to the unfailing patience and kindness of Val, Mary and the entire Aurora Hospice Group. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences. The RYAN FUNERAL HOME of De Pere is assisting the family.