James Therion Long

James Therion Long, husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 91 on September 26. 2018. James will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 19 years, siblings, children and grandchildren.
James was born in McKendree, West Virginia on May 10, 1927 to Carrie West Long and James Jennings Long, both of whom predeceased him. His education was cut short due to his commitment to his family; he was the eldest son and took responsibility in helping support. He worked as an auto body repair technician for most of his life. He lived in several states, including West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Florida, Utah and Iowa. He had a wandering spirit and enjoyed living in new places. In recent years, he lived with his wife, Betty, in Hansford, WV and frequently traveled to his beloved home and property in Steinhatchee, Florida.
Earlier in life, he served his country as a Private First Class in the United States Marine Corp. He received a certificate for honorable service in World War II and was involved in the occupation of China.
He had eleven brothers and sisters. He was predeceased by his brothers Roy and Samuel and his sisters Carol Wade, Ethel Lovejoy, Nancy Elizabeth, and Meral Long. He is survived by his brothers Thomas (and wife Faye) of Marmet, Robert Wesley (and his wife Linda) of Mount Hope, and his sisters Wanda Pettry of Perry Iowa, Brenda Pettry of Perry, Iowa and Margaret Jordan of Grove City, Ohio.
He is also survived by his wife, Betty Haywood Long and his two sons James Haywood of Holly Grove, WV and Jamie Long of Salt Lake City, Utah. Additionally, he has six grandchildren: Rosie, Cindy, Tonya and Jimmy, who are the children of James Haywood, and Alexandra (Alex) and Savannah Long-Lyon (and husband Craig), who are the children of Jamie Long. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
He was known for his love of his boat and fishing, his cars and tinkering on them, country music (especially Johnny Cash), and Western movies. He loved spending time in Steinhatchee, Florida. He especially enjoyed visits with his son Jamie and his two grandchildren Alex and Savannah who traveled a long distance to visit him.
He was a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as well as an ordained Priest of the Aaronic Priesthood in the church. He was very proud of his church membership.
A celebration of his life be held on Tuesday, October 2, at 1 pm at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill, West Virginia. Visitation will precede the service from noon until 1 pm. Internment will occur immediately following the service at High Lawn Cemetery in Oak Hill near the location of his parents.
Online condolences may be sent to www.tyreefuneralhome.com .
Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV