James R. Wagoner, Sr.

James Richard “Jim” Wagoner, Sr., age 92 of Petersburg, WV, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Grant Rehabilitation & Care Center in Petersburg, WV.

Jim was born on November 1, 1930 in Green Spring, WV and was a son of the late Estal F. Wagoner and Ellen L. Gulick. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Neva M. (Riggleman) Wagoner on May 16, 2023; sister-in-law, Imogene Wagoner and brother-in-law, Jerry Platt.   

Jim is survived by three sons -

     --- James Richard Wagoner, Jr. of Petersburg, WV

     --- Kenneth Lee Wagoner and wife Teresa of Castle Hayne, NC

     __ Ricky Lynn Wagoner of Wilmington, NC

    Two Granddaughters -

    ---Nicole M. Wagoner of Newport, NC and Rebecca L. Wagoner of Castle Hayne, NC

   One brother- Fred Wagoner of Fort Ashby, WV

   One sister – Janet Platt of Berkeley Springs, WV

   Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

  Jim graduated from Romney High School in 1949.  Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and became an Air Commando.  While in the Air Force, he was stationed at various bases, including Charleston AFB in Charleston, SC, Mather AFB in Sacramento, CA, and Eglin AFB in Pensacola, FL.

 Jim was in the Korean Conflict and completed three tours in Vietnam.  During his service, he earned the Bronze Star.  While in the military, Jim also traveled to Africa, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. 

 Jim retired from the military in 1972 after serving 21 years.  In the private sector, Jim was a security guard.  He did security guard work in Wilmington, NC, Pleasanton, CA, and Martinsburg, WV.  He did security work until 1995.

 After retiring, Jim and his wife, Neva settled in Petersburg.  They became members of Calvary Baptist Church in Rig, WV.  Jim was also a member of Petersburg VFW Post 6454.  

 During retirement, Jim enjoyed doing puzzles, especially sudoku, watching television and reading western books. He also enjoyed the company of his sweet dog Missy.   

 The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 12 Noon to 1 p.m. at the Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg.  Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Steven Snyder officiating. Interment will follow at South Branch Valley Memorial Gardens in Petersburg, WV with Military Honors by Grant County Veterans Honor Guard and Joint Base Andrews Honor Guard.

 The family suggests that memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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