Orange, James E.

We celebrate James E. Orange, 80, of Dublin and formerly of Blacksburg, returning home to his heavenly Father Wednesday, April 3, 2013, passing suddenly and mercifully at home. He is survived by his wife, best friend and “keeper” of 56 years, Gloria Kay (“GK”); five children, Sharon Arrowood of Daleville, Michael Ball of Blacksburg, Dianne Sheppard of Pembroke, Cindy Harris of Fairlawn, and Barry Orange of Evington; #1 son-in-law and best buddy, Ken (Harry) Harris; eight grandchildren, Eric Sheppard, Amy James, Tony Sheppard, Carrie Arrowood, Aaron Sheppard, Akari MaeZono, Dara Orange; grandpups, Ginger, Bo, Bear, and Max; six great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four siblings, Myrtle Smith and Cornelia Smith of Blacksburg, Charlie Orange of Christiansburg, and Robert Orange of Salem. He was a proud Korean War Army Veteran and continued service in the Army Reserves. He was a career journeyman, retiring as Mechanical Superintendent of VPI Printing after 47 years of service. He was an artist, musician, carpenter, teacher, comedian and philosopher. He was the most honest and caring person we ever knew. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and loved sharing his faith with all who came in contact with him. He loved and appreciated his church family at Blacksburg First Wesleyan, and has joined many Sunday School chums who were awaiting him in paradise. James never met a stranger, never missed an opportunity to tell a joke, never passed up a meal or a cup of coffee. He was good people; he will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2013, in the Blacksburg First Wesleyan Church with the Rev. John Hopkins officiating. Graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. in Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m. Friday at the Blacksburg First Wesleyan Church. The family would like to thank the following for the great care and attention given to Mr. Orange: Dr. Jose Rivero, Dr. John White, Dr. David Stoeckle, Dr. Athena Howard, Dr. Bhairvi Trivedi, Dr. Belinda Zhang, Highland Ridge Nursing & Rehab (he called you his “Angels”), Pulaski County EMT’s, Carilion NRV MedCtr, LG Montgomery and Pulaski Hospitals, Lincare Services. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.