Versil N. James

Versil N. James, 89, of Shreve, passed away at home on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after a period of declining health.

Versil was born on Sept. 17, 1935, in Dink, Clay County, WV to Arley and Tressie (Shamblin) James and graduated from Clay County High School in 1955.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 – 1963 and on Dec. 23, 1961, married Ida Faye Fitzwater who survives.  Versil retired from the J.M. Smucker Company after 41 years of service.  He was a member of Smithville Brethren Church and had been active at Camp Bethany near Lakeville.  He was a former Little League Coach and Boy Scout Leader in Smithville and was a member of the Knights of Phythian.  Versil loved old cars and car racing and he always enjoyed watching the birds.

Surviving is his wife, Ida; his children,  Roger and his wife Jennifer James of Amsterdam, OH, Tina and her husband Michael Manuel of Helena, OH and Rodney James of Shreve; grandchildren, Samantha, Dustin, Cody, Brady, Tayla and Aydin; great-grandchildren, Bella, Jorgia, Bentlee, Bradley, Madilyn, Rosie, Cloie, Merissa and Mason; sisters, Dinas Minney of Stumptown, WV, Patricia Howland of Spotsylvania, VA., Evelyn and husband Leon Lamouroux of Fredericksburg VA. and Maxine Curtis of Richmond, VA and nieces and nephews including nephew Randy James of Overton.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Emery James.

Services will be Thursday, July 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston with Pastor Jerry Marsdan officiating.  Burial will be in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.  Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.