Criner, James Russell

James Russell (Jimmy), 90, of Christiansburg (formerly of Blacksburg), died on Tuesday, July 24, 2007 at his home.

He was born in Newport, Va. on July 10, 1917 to the late Charles Edward and Mary Jesse Collins Criner. He was also preceded in death by his son, James Russell (Rusty) Criner, Jr.; three brothers, Clarence Criner, Haynes Criner, and (Rudy) Criner; two sisters, Dee Albert and Edith Carlton; and two nephews, Phillip Criner and Eddie Criner.

He was a member of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church and a member of the Hunter’s Masonic Lodge #156 A.F.& A. M. for 50 years. He was also a member of Engles Chapter #96 Order of the Eastern Star for 50 years. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Jimmy was employed at VPI & SU for 14 years and then retired from Electro Tech with 28 years of service. He played baseball with the Blacksburg Bluejays and loved fishing, golf, and the Hokies.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Fannie Shealor Criner of Christiansburg; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Scott Bagg of Christiansburg; a very special grandson, Christopher Bagg; Morgan Johnson, whom he loved like a granddaughter; a sister, Helen Broce of Blacksburg; a brother and sister-in-law, Donald O. and Betty Criner of Williamsburg; special caretaker, Pamela Haggerty; numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; and a special buddy, Cecil Holiday.

Special thanks to the Montgomery Regional Hospital staff and to the Medi Home Health and Hospice for all their loving care.

Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July 28, 2007 at 4 p.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gary Schroeder officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg.