Vernon Steele James age 85 of Bristol, VA went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center.

Vernon was born July 8, 1924 in Speedwell, VA, to the late Helen Phipps James and Hubert Vernon James. He was preceded in death by three brothers, William Ford James, George French James and Gene Hansford James; and one sister, Helen James Groseclose. He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict and retired, with 22 years of service. He was a member of the Hackler-Wood American Legion Post 145, the 40&8 and also the V. F. W. Patton-Crosswhite Post 6975. He also retired from the State of Virginia Dept of Agriculture. Vernon was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Survivors are his loving family: wife, Mary Etta James; five daughters, Jackie James, Jeanne Tester, Judy Booher, Nancy Spriggs and Jo Ella Gray and husband, Dave; two granddaughters, Tara Stamport and husband, Frankie and Suzette Gray; one great-granddaughter, Sarila Stamport. Also survived by two sisters-in-law, Berlyn “Tootie” James and Peggy James; one aunt, Ruth James and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at Noon, Friday, January 15, 2010, in the Mountain View Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Gale Flannery officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Mike Groseclose, Marty McCloud, George McCloud, George James, Gary James, Gary James, Jr., Peery Brown and Christopher Brown. The family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until Noon prior to the service. E-Mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Disabled American Veterans or the Groseclose Chapel Cemetery Fund, Speedwell, VA. Akard Funeral Home 1912 W. State St. Bristol, TN. (423) 989-4800 is serving the family of Mr. James

Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com