James D Joyce

James D. Joyce, age 81 years and 10 months, of Waverly, Virginia went home to be with his heavenly father, on September 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Linda Goodrich Joyce; two sons, James Edward Joyce (Tammy) of Wakefield, Virginia and Jason Michael Joyce of the home; two grandchildren, Jamie Lynn Joyce (John) of Smithfield, Virginia, and James William Joyce (fiancé Noel) of Wakefield, Virginia; three great-grandchildren, John Curtis and Skylaer Ann Read and William Presley Joyce; brother, Ronald Joyce (Dwana) of Jewell Ridge, Virginia; sisters Kaye Johnson of Seamon, Ohio, Freda Stevenson of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, Mildred Terry (Bob) of Bluefield, West Virginia; Edna Lowe of Doran, Virginia and Elaine George (Earl) of Chester, Virginia; special niece Kelli George; “his special blessing” Mary Kennedy; dear friends, Joe and Kitty Hancock; and a host of family and friends remain to cherish his memory. He was preceded in death by one son, Kevin Ray Joyce; and parents, Kellar Joyce and Agnes Smith Joyce. He was born October 27, 1941, in Jewell Ridge, Virginia, and was a 1959 graduate of Richlands High School. Shortly thereafter he moved to Waverly, Virginia where he would meet and marry his soul mate and spend the next 56 years. James loved the Lord and was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Waverly. He knew his stuff when it came to sports and was an avid fan, especially of ACC college football and basketball. He enjoyed hunting and hunted with both the Farmers Hunt Club and the Carsley Hunt Club. James had a love for classic cars and was a member of the Model A Restorers Club. He restored a 1930 Ford Model A Coupe, winning several blue ribbons over the years. He so enjoyed taking his family and friends for a ride in the rumble seat. The family will remember him as the “grill master” especially his chicken and ribs at the Joyce Family Reunion. James was also a proud member of the NRA. He spent the majority of his working career with Harrison Wright/Mastec where he was a valued employee known for getting the job done right, retiring after 56-plus years due to health issues. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tease. Above all, he was a man of faith and strong moral character with a deep love for his family and friends. A funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the R.W. Baker Funeral Home, Wakefield Chapel, 11414 General Mahone Hwy., Wakefield, Virginia with Pastor Lewis Lawson and Pastor Raleigh Nunnally officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Hock Methodist Church Cemetery, 2745 White Marsh Road, Wakefield, Virginia. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, September 8, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m. Pallbearers: James William Joyce, Earl George, Joe Hancock, Brian Terry, Bruce Terry, Hanson Newbold, Wayne Kennedy, and Gary Balance. Honorary pallbearers: David Steffen, Lawrence Emory, Charles Henry Goodrich, Tommy Guess, and Ronald Joyce. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.

James D Joyce

October 27, 1941 - September 3, 2023