James D Toler

Family and friends mourn the passing of esteemed local historian and teacher, James David Toler of Kopperston, who passed away suddenly on Monday, February 15, 2016. Born July 25, 1944, he was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Maxine Toler and his mother-in-law, Freda Nottingham. He is survived by his wife of forty fascinating years, Connie Nottingham Toler; two brothers, Michael Toler and wife, Vicey and Eugene “Smokey” Toler and wife, Becky; a sister, Joanne Scott and husband, Gerald; children, David Ash Toler, Michelle Puzio and husband, Larry, Darelle King, Gina Maynard and husband, Michael and Jake Meade; grandchildren, Michael Puzio, Lauren King, Ryan King and Adam Burks and wife, Kristen; and great-grandchildren, Tegan and Anabel Burks. Jim graduated from Oceana high school in 1962. He went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from Concord College and a Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. He retired from the Wyoming County Board of Education, where he taught at Oceana High School, Pineville High School, Berlin McKinney and Wyoming County Alternative School. He was a professor at the University of Tennessee, an adjunct professor at Southern WV Community and Technical College and was currently the director and curator of the Raleigh County Veterans Museum in Beckley. A lifelong scholar and learned historian, Jim Toler was an American Revolutionary War reenactor and enjoyed nothing more than sharing his love of history with others. He was not only a teacher to his students over the years but, to everyone who met him. Currently on display at the Raleigh County Veterans Museum is a replica of the USS West Virginia, a project that took Jim twenty years to build by hand in his spare time-just an example of his tireless dedication to his life’s passion. Jim was a member of the American Federation of Teachers. As a staunch democrat, he was elected to Wyoming County Democratic Executive Committee and was a firm believer in community activism. From his participation in the Civil Rights Movement by way of peaceful “sit-ins”, to his volunteer work with the Kopperston Boy Scouts, Jim never did anything in small measures. Beyond his professional achievements and volunteer work, he was also a gunsmith, a master woodworker, and a Golden Gloves Champion. He was a loving husband and father, and a kind and generous friend and neighbor. All people hope to leave the world a better place than how they found it-such is the legacy of James David Toler. In lieu of flowers, per his wishes, the family suggests donations be made to: Raleigh County Veterans Museum, PO Box 2135, Beckley, WV 25801-1945.