James Kelly West

It is with great sadness that the family of James Kelly West announces his passing on Friday, February 28, 2025, in a Richlands, Virginia, hospital following an illness. James was born October 1, 1931, in Busthead, Virginia, the son of the late George Washington West and Dora Beavers West. After graduating from Richlands High School, he served his country in the United States Army. He worked for a time as a truck driver for the Robert M. Green & Company, and later, he began working in Coal Mines, where he worked until he retired from Consol Energy. James was a devoted member of several organizations, such as 60 years in the Lions Club, a member of the UMWA, the Sportsman Club, the VFW, and the American Legion. James never met a stranger; he had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor; he was generous, loyal, humble, and pure-hearted. It was said of him that the water was never too deep for someone in need; he would always wade in to help others. His greatest joy was his family; he loved spending time with his granddaughter and great-grandchildren. James had attended the Main Street United Methodist Church in Tazewell and was a lifetime resident of the area. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his loving wife, Deloris Dawson West, and his siblings, Marion Benfield, Clara W. Milligan, Velma Pauline Lowe, Charles West, Dewey West, Tom West, Robert West, Earl West, William West, George West, Jr. Those who remain to carry on his loving spirit are, His daughter, Kelli West of Tazewell, VA Granddaughter Katlyn Bandy of Pounding Mill, VA Great-grandchildren; Cali Mae Dent, Landon Blake West and Autumn LeeAnn West Special nephews whom he considered as sons, Robert West and George West He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends. James West's funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Tazewell, Virginia, with Ministers Manny Elswick, Anthony Grills, and Ethan Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Virginia. The Pallbearers will be Robert West, George West, Anthony Dawson, Gary Dawson, Ernie Hamilton, and Louis Bolyard. The family will begin receiving friends at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 am until the time of service. The Casey-Shortt VFW Post # 9640 will conduct military rites, and the UMWA Chaplin Corp will conduct a Memorial Light Service to honor James West. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell Virginia, serves the family of James K. West. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

James Kelly West

October 1, 1931 - February 28, 2025