Robert Wiley James

Robert Wiley James, age 88, went to be with the Lord August 25, 2020, in the way we all hope to pass - peacefully, in his sleep surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 2, 1932 to Virginia and Richard James. He was also preceded in death by brothers Buddy, Jesse, Gleason, Monroe and Tommy James; sisters Virginia Lambert, Dorothy Moss and Mary Ann Wiles; children Harold “PeeWee” James, Judy Ann James, and Lee Roy James.

Wiley was a hard-working coal miner and a lifelong Christian who was born in the middle of fifteen siblings. Wiley will always be remembered for loving and providing for his seven children and spoiling eleven Grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Wiley did this while remaining a devoted friend to anyone and everyone he met. He stayed busy with work projects, repairs and taking care of his family right up until the end of his time.

He is survived by the love of his life and loving wife of almost 69 years, Freeda Bowling James, age 83, his children Robert James (Stella), Leslie Alvin James, Debra Lynn Owens, Patricia Jane Herron (Ross); grandchildren Jeff James, Jeremy James, Jason James, Robert James, Jesse James, Henry James, Tekisha Smith, Latisha Smith, Tabitha Smith, Anthony Herron and Trey Dunlap; great-grandchildren Makayla, Isiah, Danielle, Caleb, Christopher, Jacob, Hannah, Noah, Alex, Bethany, Jordan, Kennedy, Trevor, Connor, Justin, Wesley, and Marvin; 7 great-great-grandchildren. Wiley is also survived by his sisters Juanita (Dave) Thompson, Geneva Knell, and brothers Elmer (Melissa) James, Herman (Chloe) James, Paul (Ruth) James, and Ruby Steckel. Wiley taught us all to put your families’ needs before your own and live life with honor and faith.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 10 am - 12 Noon at Blue Ridge Funeral Home on Saturday, August 29, 2020. A Funeral Service will begin at Noon with interment to follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens with Pastor Paul Chapman officiating. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com