Dr. Lawrence James Cumbo

June 22, 1947 - May 3, 2022

Dr. Lawrence James Cumbo, Jr., 74, beloved husband, father, Papaw, and professor, passed away peacefully at his Bristol, TN home on May 3, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Diana Witt Cumbo; daughters Tori Jill Bledsoe, of Emory, VA and Kolbi Lee Cumbo-Lynn (Patrick) of Abingdon, VA; son Benjamin James Cumbo of Winston-Salem, NC; grandchildren Scarlett Lake Bledsoe, Sawyer Patrick Cumbo-Lynn, Mary Anneliese (Annie) Cumbo-Lynn, and Caius James Cumbo; sister Carol Cumbo Anderson (Bill) of Westerville, OH; niece Lindsey Anderson-Leinbach (Joe) of Alexandria, VA; nephew Jared Anderson of Westerville, OH; great-niece Nora Anderson-Leinbach; and numerous cousins, relatives, step-children, and step-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence James Cumbo and Mary Martin Cumbo, and an infant daughter, Kerry Wren Cumbo. Born in Saltville, VA on June 22, 1947, Jim spent the majority of his career as a business, accounting, and marketing professor at Emory and Henry College from 1975-2018. While there, he served as Chair of Social Sciences and influenced the lives of thousands of students. Known for his sharp wit, he enjoyed skiing, golf, a few little white dogs (Skipper, Rusty, and Gilley), computers, and, most of all, his grandchildren. He was a present and loving Papaw, regularly attending soccer games, dance recitals, birthday parties, and Tweetsie Railroad. A lengthier tribute is forthcoming; however, if you wish to honor him in the meantime, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society. Stories and memories are welcome and can be sent to [email protected] Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620 (423-764-7123) is honored to serve the Cumbo family during this difficult time.