James Dabney Settle, 72, of Forest, Virginia, formerly of Amherst, died peacefully at home on Monday, November 12, 2018. He was the son of James Madison Settle and Mary Dabney Meeks Settle, of Amherst. A graduate of Amherst County High School, he held a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University and master’s from the University of Virginia. He also served in the United States Army.
Following a year of teaching at Nelson County High School, he went to graduate school, then into the Foreign Service with the United States Information Agency for three years. His assignment was with the United States Embassy in Lima, Peru, for about two years.
Upon his return to the U.S., he began his life’s career with the United Way of America, being the chief professional in Coatesville, Pennsylvania; Maryville, Tennessee; Gulfport, Mississippi; Columbus, Georgia; Waterloo, Iowa; Texarkana, Texas; and Hazleton, Pennsylvania. The family enjoyed experiencing life in their various locations, savouring the history and uniqueness of each area. He and his wife, Martha Kay Gilliam Settle, who predeceased him in 2015, retired to central Virginia in 2001.
A voracious reader, exuberant raconteur, with fluency in four languages and a flair for humor and drama, Jim possessed an insatiable appetite for history. He could answer the most minute questions and could have been Google himself. His library was immense and his memory almost infallible.
Jim had recently been attending First Christian Church in Lynchburg, Virginia.
He is survived by his two sons, James David Settle, and Nahks Tr'Ehnl (previously known as Jonathan Dabney Settle) and wife, Rosemary Schwegel; one sister, Leah Settle Gibbs; sister-in-law, Frances Mae Gilliam Taylor, and husband, Geoff; brother-in-law, David Brooks Gilliam and wife, Cheryl; and many cousins and their extended families.
A graveside service will be held at the Gilliam family cemetery, 2004 Swan Rd., (Rt. 600), Pamplin, on Friday, November 16, 2018, at 1:00 p.m., with the Rev. Nathan C. Brooks III officiating.
The family suggests memorial contributions to a church, the United Way, or other charitable organization.
