James O. Stancil

James O. Stancil passed peacefully to the Lord on September 23, 2014. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Stancil. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Katherine “Petey” Reynolds, and son James “Jim” H. Stancil; grandchildren Kelly Catherine and James Robert, and great grandchildren Lilly Elizabeth and James Edward.

Jim was born on October 10, 1921 in Johnson County, NC. After graduating from high school he left to join the Marine Corp. He completed boot camp at age 18 and was stationed at Naval Torpedo Station in Newport, RI where he met his future wife “Betty”. Jim was in Newport when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and was transferred to Camp Pendleton, CA where he provided advanced training to troops in preparation for WWII. Jim was assigned to the 1st Marine Division on Solomon Island in the South Pacific, then on to Okinawa where he was wounded prior to the end of WWII. Upon military discharge in 1946, Jim ponder pursuing his dream and love of playing baseball professionally, but opted to secure a future for his family instead. Working alongside his father-in-law he honed his mechanical skills which resulted in an offer by C & P Telco to be a roving mechanic responsible for all mechanical vehicles within a 200 mile radius. In 1956 he was promoted to Foreman of Motor Equipment responsible for over 700 vehicles in the rapidly growing Tidewater area. Prior to his retirement after 32 years of service from C & P Telco, known today as Verizon, he helped introduce a driving program known as the Smith System, which was renamed and became a nationwide driver training program endorsed by the National Safety Council.

Jim was active in the community in every aspect. He was part of the foundation that evolved into Pony baseball and current Parks and Rec., and played an instrumental role in the building and support for Christ Presbyterian Church. He was an active member in many support and community organizations.

The family appreciates the loving support provided to Jim by Kevin, Chuari, Shirley, as well as nurses, Pat and Kim of Heartland Hospice.

In lieu of flowers donations in his name to Christ Presbyterian Church, Heartland Hospice, DAV, and Wounded Worriers would be a fitting tribute

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 26, 2014 from 6-8PM at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 2PM at the funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park. You may offer your condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com.