Pearman Sr., James Elwood

James E. Pearman, 84, of Shawsville, Va., passed from this life to be with his savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, March 14, 2010. He joins his father and mother, Elbert W. and Lavinia C. Pearman; eight brothers and sisters; and beloved grandson, Cory James Keeling. Jim was born in Shawsville and spent his life working to make it the best place it could be. He helped others his entire life and left this world a better place than he found it. Jim served in the Navy during World War II and one of the joys in his life was reunions and swapping stories with his shipmates from LST 889. After his return from World War II he married his sweetheart, Lorene Sowder, whom he cherished for their 63 years together. He is also survived by his three children, James E. Pearman Jr. and Brenda, Ruth P. Keeling, and Steven D. Pearman and Susan; his granddaughters, Deidre K. Willis (A.T.) and Morgan Pearman; and his precious great-grandchildren, Vincient Keeling and Ja-Cori Willis. In addition, numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and other loving friends and family survive him. Jim started working at Bank of Shawsville in 1953 and worked in every capacity until his retirement in 1988 as Chairman of the Board. He continued his work career as owner of Shawsville Insurance Agency and as a founding Board member of Meadowbrook Retirement Community. He spent his retirement enjoying his family and friends, traveling, and Virginia Tech sports. Jim helped charter the Shawsville Ruritan Club in 1948, was a member of Craighill 160 Masonic Lodge, the Kazim Shrine Temple, and was actively involved in numerous community activities over his career. He was a lifelong member of White Memorial United Methodist Church in Shawsville. The family wishes to thank Lonnie Raines for being a special neighbor and friend, Sharon Blount and Keesh for their loving care during his final days, the nurses and staff of the Progressive Care Unit on 8W of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital and also the many friends who were such a major part of his life. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, 2010, at White Memorial United Methodist Church with the Reverend Herbert Williams officiating. A private graveside service will be held at White Cemetery prior to the memorial service. The family will receive friends at Horne Funeral Service in Christiansburg from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2010. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Camp Alta Mons, Inc. Pearman Endowment, 2842 Crockett Springs Road, Shawsville, Va. 24162, White Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 217, Shawsville, Va. 24162, or Mountain Valley Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 624, Shawsville, Va. 24162. The Pearman family is being served by Horne Funeral Service & Crematory, 540-382-2612. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.hornefuneralservice.com