High Jr., James Bassett

James Bassett High Jr., 86, of Floyd, devoted husband and father, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

A veteran of World War II, he leaves behind his bride of 65 years, Leta. He also is survived by his children, Rick High and wife, Debbie, of Troutville, and Debbie Janney and husband, Larry, of Roanoke; his cousin, Cindy Salyer, who was like a daughter to him, and her husband, Jim, of Floyd; his grandchildren, Alan Janney and wife, Sarah, of Radford, Megan Janney, of Roanoke, and Kristina High, of Troutville; his great-grandson, Jackson Janney, of Radford; his sister, Clarice Moore, of Lawrenceville; cousins, Shannon Salyer and his wife, Melissa, of Floyd and Christopher Salyer, of Arlington, who were both like grandchildren to him; and many other dedicated family members and friends who have helped him and Leta along the way.

James was born July 10, 1921 in Brunswick County. He lived in Barley, Va., until the age of 21, when he left home and headed West to look for work. He not only found work in Radford, but met Leta, the love of his life. He was drafted into the United States Army and soon after, on August 29, 1942, he and Leta were married. Three months later he was shipped off to the Pacific, where he served in the 1881 Engineer Aviation Battalion for 37 months.

He and Leta, and their two children, settled in Floyd, where he established his furniture business which he operated for 25 years. He also served on the town council for 7 years. James has been a faithful member of Floyd Baptist Church since 1962. He served in such capacities as Deacon (for 40 years), Sunday School Director, greeter and handyman. After retiring, James and Leta spent many years traveling and enjoying time with their family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Emma Rebecca Moore High, of Lawrenceville; sisters, Blanche Moore and Sarah High, of Lawrenceville; and his brother, Hubert High of Richmond.

We would like to extend our love and a special thank you to family and friends for their support during James’ courageous battle with cancer. We would also like to thank the wonderful folks at Good Samaritan Hospice. Flowers would be appreciated, or contributions may be made to Good Samaritan Hospice of New River Valley or to Floyd Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 25, 2008, at the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel, Floyd, with the Rev. Joe Womack and the Rev. Dave Holliday presiding. Interment will follow at Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at Maberry Funeral Home.