James Granville Sesco

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" — John 11:25–26

James Granville Sesco, 93, of Beckley, West Virginia, was called home by his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A proud coal miner for 42 years, he was also an avid hunter who loved the outdoors. He was a faithful member of Stanaford Road Baptist Church and a member of the Masonic Society.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Wesley and Elizabeth (Spence) Sesco; siblings Irene Mollett, Paul Sesco, Bessie Vicars, and Patricia Elinor Kantos; his wives, Emolene Sesco (his beloved wife of 50 years) and Peggy Sesco; his granddaughter Julia Willingham Lawson; and sons-in-law David Howard and Ernest Holt.

James is survived by his seven children: Regina (John) Porter of Camp Creek, WV; Lois (Randall) Tolliver of Beckley, WV; Brenda (Jerry) Willingham of Beckley, WV; Sharon (Jim) Mccomas of Nicholasville, KY; Randall (Laura) Sesco of Alpoca, WV; Linda Holt of Nicholasville, KY; and Granville (Shelly) Sesco of Stephenson, WV.

He is also survived by 18 grandchildren — Becky Hale, Sally Whelan, Scottie Porter, Patricia Lester, Terri Blankenship, Susanna Eller, Jared Willingham, Joanna Varney, Shannon Henson, Rachel Gibbs, Jennifer Thomson, Amanda Sesco, Adrian Sesco, Natosha Holt, Shane Holt, Brittany Lusk, Derek Sesco, and Devin Sesco — along with 43 great-grandchildren and 18 great-great-grandchildren.

James is also survived by his siblings Eva Hall, Creasa Rigsby, Thomas Sesco, and Jane Burke Springate.

The family would like to extend special thanks to his caregivers — Susanna, Danny, Ardra, Vickie, Caleb, David, Debbie, Garret, Devin, Jadin, and Tyler — for their years of dedicated care. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to Pine Lodge and Bowers Hospice House for their compassionate service.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at Stanaford Road Baptist Church, 575 Stanaford Road, Beckley, WV, with his son, Randall Sesco and his grandson, Rev. Derek Sesco officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church.

Pallbearers will be James’s grandsons and great-grandsons: Devin Sesco, Melvin Lusk, Patrick Blankenship, Logan Blankenship, Tyler Lester, Cody Lester, Jacob Eller, D. Hypes, and Caleb Thompson and also members of the Masonic Society.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of James Sesco is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home.