James Edward Bess

October 10, 1923 - February 9, 2020

James Edward Bess, 96, of Ingram Branch, WV passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020, at Plateau Medical Center in Oak Hill, WV. Born October 10, 1923 in Smithers, WV. He was the son of the late Rufus Custer and Virgie L. Covington Bess. James was a U.S. Army Veteran having served in World War II. He was on the Beaches of Normandy on D day and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was a sample prep manager retiring from Union Carbide Alloy Plant (Elk Metal) James was a member of the Oak Hill Masonic Lodge #120 A.F& A.M., the Beni Kedem Temple, Charleston, the Blue Lodge, and a member of the Page Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Naomi Bess; sons, James Raymond Bess, and Gregory Allen Bess; grandson, Craig Edward Bess; and daughter in law, Polly Bess. Those left to cherish his memory include sons, Dennis Edward Bess, Charles Vernon Bess (Nancy), Jerry L. Bess (Lisa), Stephen Keith Bess (Jennifer), Robert Dale Bess, (Debbie), Douglas Alan Bess (Shelia); daughter, Deborah Kay Bess Hicks (Earl); close long time friend but more like a son, Ray Smith; Grandchildren, Chris Via, Kevin Allen Bess, Jamie Bess Whicker, Susan Bess Gilkerson, “Bubby” Bess, T.J. Bess, Melani Bess Hylton, Tiffany Bess, Jill Bess Johnston, Stephen Bess, Jr.. Brandon Bess, Tara Bess Smith, Bobbie Dawn Bess, Joshua Arrington, Shannon Bess; great grandchildren, Lexis Bess, Ashton Bess, Kevin Bess, Jr., Jacob Bess, Bailey Bess, Macie Bess, Jaylon Whicker, Ashley Hobbs, Ryan Gilkerson, Morgan Hylton, Carlie Smith, A.J. Smith, Madison Bess, Sara Bess, Braxton Bess, Jay Bess, Emma Johnston, Kaleb Kidd, Kendra Bess, Jacy Bess; great great grandchild, Easton Allen Bess. In lieu of flowers the family ask donations to Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children Lexington, 110 Conn Terrace, Lexington KY 40508-3206 in Memory of James Edward Bess. Funeral service will be 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Pastor Ron Moore officiating. Masonic Graveside Rites will be conducted by the Oak Hill Lodge No. 120 at Montgomery Memorial Park in London, WV. Visitation for friends will be one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be the Oak Hill Masonic Lodge. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements were made by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.