Thomas W. James Jr.

October 2, 1934 - August 4, 2019

Thomas William James Jr, 84 of Oak Hill, WV passed away peacefully, on Sunday, August 4.2019 at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV.  He was born October 2, 1934 to the late Thomas W. Sr, and Elizabeth Shuck James.  Tom graduated from Collins High School in 1952, and attended West Virginia University, Concord College and West Virginia University Institute of Technology, earning a BS degree from the later in 1960. He earned graduate credits from both Marshall University (6 hrs) and the WV School of Graduate Studies (9 hrs). He also held a permanent teaching certificate authorized by the state of WV.  He was a US Army veteran (Paratrooper), having served with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1956-1958, participating in 13 airborne jumps.  Tom worked in the California Oil Fields, was a former Fayette County teacher and had many other various jobs before stating his career at the Fayette Tribune in 1961.  While employed at the newspaper, he worked as: reporter, photographer, managing editor, editor, advertising representative - including pressroom, composition, circulation, business, etc. He ended his newspaper career as publisher for the last 12 years. He retired in 1996 after 36 years of service.  Following retirement, he was an election poll worker, an instructor at Mt Olive Correctional Complex, adjunct professor at WVUIT and at WVUIT Oak Hill Center and lastly as a loss control associate for West Virginia Insurance.  He was of the Baptist faith, with membership at the Calvary Baptist Church. He had served as deacon, church clerk, moderator, usher and as a member of the pulpit and van committees. He served on the Fayette County Baptist Association as vice-moderator, moderator and member of the evangelism committee.  Mr. James was a Kentucky Colonel, Admiral in the Cherry River Navy, and President of the New River Gorge square dancers. He held memberships in Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity (WVU), the Oak Hill Rotary Club and a member of the advisory board of WVUIT. He also was a past director of the Fayette Plateau Chamber of Commerce. Preceding him in death was the mother of his children, Margaret Ellen Wooten James. He is survived by wife, Nancy Perry James and her children, Sherri Shumate (John) and Scott Johnson (Teresa), and those that affectionately called him Grampie, Johnna, Perry, Zach, and Lexi; brother-in-law, David Perry (Nancy); sons, David (Mary) James, Tom (Susie) James and George (Nanette) James; grandsons, Michael and Nathaniel James, and great-grandson, Samuel; grandchildren by marriage, Dustin, Amanda, and Jayda and great-granddaughters Piper and Harper; sister Clara (Oliver) Rushing, and brother, Dale (Linda) James. He will also be missed by a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.  Honoring his wishes, graveside rites and committal service for family and friends will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at High Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Greg Swisher officiating. Burial will follow. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley WV 25801 or Calvary Baptist Church, 1424 East Main Street, Oak Hill WV 25901 Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV