James Wayne Eutsler

James Wayne Eutsler (“Wayne”), 79, of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at Augusta Health in Fishersville, Virginia.

Wayne was born on September 19, 1946, in Waynesboro, Virginia, to Gaston Oma Eutsler and Wynona Henderson Eutsler. A lifelong Virginian, Wayne spent much of his life in the Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, and Augusta County area.

Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves. He served on active duty from 1966 until 1968 and continued his service in the Army Reserves until his retirement in October 2006. During his military career, he achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7) and proudly served as a Drill Sergeant, a role and title he carried with great pride. He dedicated many years of his civilian career to McQuay in Verona, Virginia.

Wayne was known for his resilience, strong will, and deep roots in the Shenandoah Valley. Those who knew him often described him as a fun-loving and simple man who genuinely enjoyed life and its experiences. He valued family, hard work, service to his country, and meaningful connection with others. He carried a deep love for the United States and great respect for the American flag throughout his life. Known affectionately as “G Wayne” by his grandsons, his presence and personality will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaston Oma Eutsler and Wynona Henderson Eutsler; his brothers, Arlen Eutsler and Wilson Eutsler; and his sister, Shirley Eutsler Hewitt.

Wayne is survived by his children, Anthony “Tony” Wayne Eutsler of Melbourne, Florida, Jeffrey “Jeff” Allen Eutsler and his wife, Tracy, of Easton, Maryland, and Abby Jayne Beam of Menlo Park, California, and her mother, Nancy Beam; his grandchildren, Haven Jeffrey Eutsler and Haden Jae Eutsler; his sister, Naomi Eutsler Hagwood of Waynesboro, Virginia, widow of the late Doug Hagwood; his brother, Everett Eutsler of Afton, Virginia; his niece, Elizabeth Eutsler of Stuarts Draft, Virginia; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and his beloved cats, Cowboy and Blackie.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Augusta Memorial Park, 1775 Goose Creek Road, Waynesboro with Pastor Billy Coffey officiating. All who plan to attend are asked to meet directly at the cemetery.

There will be no formal viewing or visitation at the funeral home.

The family wishes to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Paul Hudson; Dr. Christopher Heck, Medical Director of Hospice, and the many supportive hospice nurses and staff whose kindness, compassion, and regular check-ins brought great comfort during Wayne’s final days; Michelle Gibb, N.P., whose compassion, advocacy, and care went above and beyond and will always be deeply appreciated by the family; Stephanie, whose warmth and dedication meant more to the family than words can express; and the many nurses and hospital staff at Augusta Health, including the many others whose names the family may unintentionally fail to recall, but whose compassion and care will not be forgotten; Chaplains Nate Blessington and David Cunningham; retired Army officer Patrick Webb, who conducted a special bedside military recognition ceremony honoring Wayne’s service and sacrifice prior to his passing; and all caregivers and staff who provided comfort, dignity, and support throughout his final journey.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.