Dow, James Ernest

James Ernest “Bubba” Dow, 88, Elliston passed away Thursday, March 16, 2017. Bubba was born in New Castle, Pa., October 21, 1928. Bubba spent his younger years living with his mother in Charlotte, N.C. until the age of two, when Bubba moved to Elliston to live with his grandparents. Bubba attended elementary school in Elliston and graduated from Christiansburg Institute in 1946.

After graduation, Bubba went to work for Norfolk and Western Railroad until he was drafted into the Army in 1950. In 1952, Bubba was discharged from the army and went to work for the Salem VA Medical Center, retiring after 30 years of service. He spent his retirement years farming until his health no longer allowed him. Bubba was a charter and life member of VFW Post #4920 of Elliston/Shawsville.

Bubba was preceded in death by his mother, Irene Dow; and his father, Lawrence Dow. Bubba leaves behind a sister and brother-in-law, Cornelia Dow Shoffner and James Shoffner of Elk Grove Village, Ill.; niece, Karen Shoffner, of Chicago, Ill.; nephews, Stuart Shoffner, of Buffalo Grove, Ill. and Andrew Shoffner, of NYC, New York. He also leaves behind a host of friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at First Baptist Church Elliston, with visitation one hour prior. Burial with full Military Honors will immediately follow in Church Cemetery. Mr. Dow is entrusted to Valley Funeral Home, Roanoke, VA. 540-562-1182