Gerald Daniel James, of Glenville, WV, passed away on October 2, 2026, from complications from a fall at 91years old.
He was born in Normantown, WV on December 17, 1934.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Marlin James and Macel Whitesel James; his wife Wilma Coberly James; and a sister, Vera Jean Woodyard.
He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Simmons of Richmond, VA and her husband Mike. He is also survived by his siblings: Marlene Whisman; Hill James, Hugh James, Roland James, and Karen Hahn, as well as many nieces and nephews, especially Elbon James, who assisted Gerald in numerous ways since Wilma’s passing.
Gerald was employed by the West Virginia Department of Highways as a front-end loader operator and assisted in building many roads in Gilmer County and retiring as assistant supervisor after 32 years. Gerald knew almost everyone’s name in Gilmer County in his younger days and had many stories to share about his interactions with almost all of them. Gerald had many talents, despite his limited education. He had a magnificent green thumb and started saplings for many people during his lifetime. Gerald was also well known for his ability to remove warts as many people would come to him to have a wart removed successfully. He, also, had the know-how to find a location to drill a water well by “water-witching.” Gerald took up woodworking in his retirement and taking immaculate care of his home and property. He had a mechanical mind in that he could fix almost anything broken and even made a picnic table on wheels, so he could easily move it when he mowed.
A funeral service for Gerald will be held at Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc., 107 Market Street, Grantsviile, WV on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Roger Stewart officiating. Family and friends are invited to visintation from 11:00 -12:00. Interment will follow the service at Meadow Lane Cemetery.
Stump Funeral Home & Cremation, Inc. is honored to serve and support the James family. Condolences can be shared with Gerald’s family at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com.
