Shepherd, James Wesley

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, who made Heaven and Earth.” Psalms 121: 1,2 James Wesley Shepherd, 88 of Narrows went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 12th, 2012. A lifelong resident of Giles County, he was born on February 18th, 1924 and was the son of the late Walter Spencer and Sarah Ann Bouldin Shepherd.

In addition to his father and mother, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Jocell Shrader (Jody) Shepherd; a brother, Spencer Shepherd; a son-in-law, Bill Martin; and a daughter-in-law, Janet Shepherd.

A retired employee of Celanese Acetate in Narrows, James was a farmer, a faithful member of Kathleen Memorial United Methodist Church, and a charter member of the Wolf Creek Ruritan Club.

Left to cherish his memory are a daughter, Barbara “Bobbie” Martin of Narrows; two sons, Jerry Shepherd and wife Patty of Hickory, North Carolina, and Eddie Shepherd and wife Heida of Tobaccoville, North Carolina. Remembering their grandfather are Christie and Bennett Sowers of Narrows, Cherie and Will Fenne of Winchester, Virginia, Keith and Raynel Shepherd of Townsend, Tennessee, Joshua and Jerica Shepherd of Maryville, Tennessee, Roger and Fawn Shepherd of Pearisburg, Sherry Davis of Christiansburg, Corky and Kim Franklin of Nashville, Tennessee, April Johnston of Tobaccoville, North Carolina, and Michael Johnston of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; sixteen great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous dear friends. James’ friends and neighbors of the Wolf Creek community will feel the loss of his kind heart and giving spirit.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 15, 2012 at 11 AM at Kathleen Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Aaron Atchley officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery in Narrows. The family will receive friends at Riffe’s Funeral Service Friday from 6 to 8 PM.

The family requests that those sending memorial contributions, please consider the Youth Program at Kathleen Memorial United Methodist Church; c/o Darlene Blankenship; 443 Skyview Lane; Narrows, VA 24124.

The family is being served by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, (540) 726-2442, and online at riffefuneralservice.com.