Joseph Graham Myers II

He was born on November 21, 1927 in Harrisonburg, and was the son of the late Arthur Rudolph and Violet Rebecca Way Myers. As a 7th generation Shenandoah Valley native, he was the grandson of Joseph Gasper Myers and Mary Grier Graham; Harrison Fredrick Gepart Way and Harriett Blanche Phillips.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Way Myers Hedrick; ex-wife, Jane Kruger D’Arcy; two sons, Joseph G. Myers III, and William G. Myers; and a long time dear friend Betty Heatwole Campbell. He cherished his extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mr. Myers graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 1945, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. He played football at the University of Virginia for one year before being drafted by the United States Army. As part of the military police force, he proudly served the European Occupation Campaign stationed in Cortina, Italy. After two years in the military, he returned to the University of Virginia and was the starting center on the football team for the next three years. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a Masters Degree in Education. After graduating from college, he additionally served as a field agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigations stationed in Tacoma, Washington.

Mr. Myers was employed locally with Harrisonburg City Schools as a teacher, coach, and administrator. His tenure included head football coach for the Blue Streaks, assistant principal at Harrisonburg High School; principal at the former Thomas Harrison Junior High School; and special programs coordinator for the central office. He was a member of the Harrisonburg Elks Lodge for nearly seventy years, and participated with the Harrisonburg Lions Club for many years.

In retirement, he enjoyed gardening and traveling, and experienced the world many times over. Additionally, he was a loyal supporter of the University of Virginia, and James Madison University’s athletic programs. On a day to day basis, he could be found working – out at RMH Wellness Center. Fitness and athletics were the themes of his life, and tennis was a passion for most his adulthood.

Mr. Myers was a lifelong student of history and current events; reading two newspapers every day. He was an independent thinker, and did not subscribe to political ideology. He found great sport in debating his point of view. Having grown up during the great depression, he espoused the role of government, but was quick to praise the individual. He was a generous person, and quietly contributed to countless charitable organizations.

Lindsey Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 11:00 am in the chapel with Dr. Lawrence “Larry” Roller officiating. A reception will immediately follow at the funeral home.

The interment will be private at the Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mt. Solon at the Myers burial plot.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fort Harrison House in Dayton, Va., or the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lindseyharrisonburg.com