James E. Lively

'I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.' John 6:51 Fayette County businessman and civic leader, James E. Lively , 85, of Oak Hill, WV passed away on Tuesday, February 05, 2013 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. Jim was born May 09, 1927 at Quinwood, WV, the youngest of eight children and the only son born to the late Grover Cleveland and Eugenia Corron Lively. In addition to his parents and four sisters a daughter, Leah Lively Dean preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Loretta Ferri Lively; four sons, James E. Lively, Jr. and wife, Cathy, Brett Lively and wife, Twila , Michael Lively and wife, Judy and Dr. Mathew Lively and wife, Lisa; four grandchildren, Dr. Jamie Lively, Luke Lively, Jared Lively, Kathleen Lively and one great grandchild, Ava Lively. Also surviving are three sisters, Cleo Lively, Birdie Stone and Loni Evans. Jim's early interest was athletics and he was an outstanding athlete at Montgomery High School and WV Tech. He was an honor graduate and 3 sport letterman at Montgomery High School and after high school he joined and served in the US Navy during World War II. After the war Jim went to WV Tech on a football scholarship where he quarterbacked the Golden Bears to their only undefeated team in school history in 1949. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from WV Tech he earned a Master of Science degree from West Virginia university and then taught biology and coached all sports at Mount Hope High School from 1950-1955. After leaving coaching and the education field Jim founded Jim Lively Insurance which has its headquarters in Oak Hill. The business just celebrated it's 50th anniversary and has grown to be one of West Virgina's largest insurance firms. There are currently 7 statewide branches across West Virginia. Jim was a President and member of the Fayette County Commission for 22 years. He was past President or and Charter Member of the Oak Hill Chamber of Commerce, where he originated the WV Sports Festival; helped initiate the Oak Hill Little League Basketball program and Rinky Dink Tournament; and was a 42 year member and past President of the Oak Hill Lions Club. He was also former President of the WV Tech Alumni Association; WV Association of County Officials; and founding member and President of the Fayette Plateau Business Development Corporation. Jim had also served on the Board of Directors of New River Bank; was Chairman of the Bluestone Planning and Development Council; Trustee of the Fayette Needy Association and past member of the Fayette County Planning Commission. He was currently a member of the Fayette County Urban Renewal Authority; trustee of the Sts. Peter and Paul Trust Fund and founder and President of the Plateau Club whose aim is to help area citizens who are in need and to send articles to US military members serving overseas. He and Loretta were the driving force and main benefactors of the new Amphitheater in downtown Oak Hill. Jim was 1967 Oak Hill Citizen of the Year and the Lively Family were named 1973 Oak Hill All-American Family of the Year. He was WV Tech Alumnus of the Year in 1972 and was inducted in the WV Tech Football Hall of Fame in 1983. He and Loretta were awarded the Bishop's Cross by the Roman Catholic Diocese of WV for extraordinary service to the Catholic Schools of West Virginia. Jim is a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oak Hill where he served as a lecturer and Adult Bible School Facilitator. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oak Hill with Father Paul Yuenger officiating. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School,123 Elmore Street, Oak Hill, WV 25901. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV