James R. Lindsey

James R. Lindsey, Sr., age 91, of High Meadows in Roaring Gap, North Carolina, died peacefully on December 5, 2016, surrounded by family who loved him dearly. Jim is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jeanette Brown Lindsey. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Jean York Lindsey of Roanoke; and by his children James R. Lindsey, Jr, Julie Lindsey Hunsaker, Janet Burrow & husband Richard all of Roanoke; John York Lindsey & wife LaRhonda of Cedar Bluff; Jo Anne Hairston & husband Tom of Abingdon. He is also survived by step-son Raymond Jackson & wife Karen of Pounding Mill; and step-son Richard Jackson & wife Paula of Ocala, FL. Jim is also survived by his brother Lt. Col. Harry Vaughn “H.V.” Lindsey, Jr. & wife Jean of Independence. “Grandaddy” is survived by Dr. Jimmy Lindsey, John Lindsey, Lee Hunsaker, Jody Hunsaker Haller, Amanda Phillips Martinez, Sarah Phillips Blum, Matt Phillips, Taylor, Katie, Maggie and Ellie Lindsey, Lindsey Simmons-Ratliff, Mastin Simmons, Kayla Jackson Whited, Patrick and Ryan Jackson, and ten grandchildren-in-law. “Greatdaddy” is survived by Dexter Shaffer, Levi & Silas Haller, Grace & Caroline Blum, Stella & Louisa Martinez, and Boone Ratliff. “Uncle Jim” is survived by Laurie Lindsey Wates and Trip Lindsey. James R. Lindsey was born to Harry Vaughn and Stella Crabtree Lindsey of Richlands on August 6, 1925. Jim graduated from Richlands High School in 1942 and then attended Greenbrier Military School on a football scholarship. From Greenbrier he was recruited to play football at the University of Tennessee. When UT halted its 1943 season because of WWII, Jim was invited by Coach Bobby Dodd to play for Georgia Tech. Jim rode the train to Atlanta and played for GT in the 1944 Sugar Bowl. Jim was drafted as soon as football season ended and served in the 3rd Air Force as a gunner on the B-29. After the war, Jim attended Indiana University, graduating in 1948. With his wife Jean and son Jim Jr., he returned to Richlands and began his career in the life insurance business. Jim was an adventurous and enterprising businessman; day after day, he rode with coal truckers to sell life insurance policies to benefit the families of coal miners and truck drivers in the region. His gregarious nature and strong work ethic helped him rise to the top of his field. As one of the leading insurance agents in the United States, Jim was featured in Time Magazine and Sports Illustrated as The Equitable’s top agent. He was a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table and many of his associates described him as a “legend” in the business. Jim was Founder and President of Lindsey & Associates, Inc., based in Richlands. His son York and his grandson Taylor continue the business today, with the excellent and dedicated assistance of Sharon Compton, Paul “Slick” Cook, and the late Joyce Shumate. Jim was an active member of the community and was honored as the 1989 Richlands Citizen of the Year for his many contributions. He co-founded the Richlands Area Midget League Football Program and coached the Cedar Bluff Blue Devils. He served as president of the Richlands Lions Club and was a member of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees. He was president of the Southwest Virginia Community College Foundation Board and co-chair of the “Fulfill the Vision” campaign to raise $7 million for the SVCC Community Center. Jim was a past President of the Tazewell County Country Club and High Meadows Country Club, which last year recognized him for his 50 years of membership and service. A championship golfer, Jim enjoyed participating annually in the Virginia State Amateur and in member-guest tournaments in Virginia, West Virginia, Florida and North Carolina. Jim had a love of fishing, raising cattle, and woodworking. In these last years, he came to delight in watching the birds in the trees and the deer on the fairway. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 10, at 2:00pm at the Richlands Presbyterian Church, 1301 2nd St, Richlands, VA. A reception will follow. Honorary Pallbearers are Charles Carter, Bobby Davis, Robert Dunn, Raymond Hyer, Dr. Charles King, Bill Ray Lester, Jim McGlothlin, Dr. James McVey, Johnny Parsons, H.C. "Footsie" Pratt, Eddie Ratliff, Tom Robertson, Dean Solowan, H.A. Street, Nick Street, John Tickle, Shelbourne Wallace, Jim Ward, Robert Weinbach, Pat Willis and Ted Wood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Virginia Community College Educational Foundation, James R. Lindsey Scholarship Fund, PO Box SVCC, Richlands, VA 24641 or to the Richlands Presbyterian Church, 1301 2nd Street Richlands, VA 24641. The Lindsey Family would like to thank Jim’s devoted caregivers and special friends Vanessa & Pete Morphis, John Moore, Cathe Nichols, Joy Daniel, Ann Trivett, Judy Vicars, MeMe Beck, Kenny Miles, Lisa Moxley, and Dr. Thomas Shelburne. Jim's children are eternally grateful to his beloved wife, Jeanette, for her love and tireless devotion to his health, happiness, and comfort. Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home in Galax, Virginia is in charge of arrangements.

James R. Lindsey

August 6, 1925 - December 5, 2016