Stanley, James

James Stanley, 90, of Blacksburg, died Sunday, March 13, 2011. He was born October 10, 1920, in Rockville, (Hanover County) to Helen Lucille Snead and Isaac Jones Stanley. He was educated in Rockville and Stoney Creek. After high school graduation in 1937, he entered Virginia Polytechnic Institute to study engineering and join the Corps of Cadets. Both were to remain dear to his heart all of his life. He graduated from VPI with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1941, and not being 21 years of age, had to wait until 1942 to receive his Army Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Corps. After several assignments around the country, he served in Japan after the surrender until 1946. He earned a Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1962, and retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980. After many years working with USDA at the University of Florida, and retirement, he and his wife returned to Blacksburg in May 2005. He was married to Mildred Ann Owen on December 20, 1944, in the Cluster Springs Baptist Church, by the Rev. Sandy C. Owen, her father. Mildred preceded Jim in death, November 2005. He is survived by his sister, Frances Attkisson, of Rockville; his two children, Susan S. Mader Colling (husband, Nic) and Gary M. Stanley (wife, Connie); two grandsons, Matthew (wife, Amber) and Michael Stanley; and one great granddaughter, Autumn. He will be greatly missed by many other family and friends. Memorial service will be held Friday, March 18, 2011, 11 a.m. in the Blacksburg Baptist Church (550 N. Main St.) Interment will be at the cemetery at Berea Baptist Church in Rockville on Saturday, March 19, 2011, 1 p.m. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.