Bayne Jr., James Thomas
James Thomas Bayne Jr., 86, formerly of Christiansburg, VA went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at his home in Beckley, WV. His passing followed a long struggle with Motor Neuron Disease.
Born on April 15, 1934 in Roanoke, VA, he was a graduate of Andrew Lewis High School, Atlanta Christian College and Kentucky University. He served in fulltime ministry for 52 years and retired from Belmont Christian Church after 28 years of ministry there. After retirement, he continued to serve in churches through teaching, preaching and the ministry of a GriefShare Support Group. He touched countless lives through his ministry and was known for his sense of humor, his joyful spirit, his wise counsel, his leadership, his servant’s heart and his great capacity for love. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. Jim was an avid reader with a lifelong love of learning and saw beauty in all things.
He was married for 59 years to the love of his life, Phyllis Jannette Bayne who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas Bayne and Margaret Mauk Bayne; and a foster sister, Delphia Bradshaw.
Jim is survived by daughters, Angela Baker and husband Mike, Christina Gregg and husband John; son, James Kent Bayne and wife Lori; brother, Eugene Bayne; sisters, Betty Hedge, Elaine Gregory and husband Charlie; grandchildren, Amanda Ross and husband Nick, Whitney Baker, Jessica Bayne, Josh Bayne, Chris Bayne, and Rohan Gregg. He was looking forward to the arrival of his first great-grandson.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Belmont Christian Church. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2020, also at the Belmont Christian Church, with James Beaver Terry, Jerry Dowdy, and Brandon Craig officiating. A private graveside service will follow for the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Belmont Christian Church Vision Fund, 1500 Peppers Ferry Road, Christiansburg, VA 24073.
The family would like to thank the many friends of Belmont Christian Church and Oak Grove Christian Church for their loving care and support, as well as a special thank you to Dr. Dan Kelly and Dr. Jill Cramer.