James Russell Fields
September 5, 1941 - April 17, 2012

James Russell Fields known to family and friends as “Jim or Jimmy Fields “
died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 17, 2012. Jim, age 70, believed in Jesus and practiced his faith. He was a cherished son, beloved grandson, precious nephew, dear cousin, and a loyal friend to everyone he met.
He was born September 5, 1941 in Isaban, WV to the late Louise Butler Fields Hall and the late Russell Fields. Jim lived in Welch, WV, Pittsburgh, Pa, Washington, D.C., but spent his adult life in the Roanoke/Vinton area.
Jim attended Greenbrier Military School, Lewisburg, WV and graduated from Carlisle Military Academy, Bamberg, South Carolina. Upon graduation from Carlisle, he continued his education and training throughout his life. Jim took to heart and practiced Carlisle’s belief that states, “Believing that indeed American is dear and that patriotism and citizenship should be deep sentiments…” He had a passion for history, democracy , and the military and was a strong supporter of the veterans. He loved horses and rode for years. Jim was an avid football fan. He followed West Virginia University, Virginia Tech, The Ohio State University, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed traveling with his mother Louise and step- father Jack. Jim’s favorite dining spot was Montano’s where he knew most everyone by name. Jim was a member of First Baptist Church of Roanoke. He was a retired employee of General Electric. He valued his relationships with family and friends and never missed a family birthday party or holiday gathering, Jim was kind, compassionate and always looking for ways to make others feel special. He never met a stranger.
Jim leaves behind his step father Jack Hall, Welch, WV, two aunts, Emma Hampton(Jimmy) Roderfield, WV, Mabel Bailey(Phil) Elkview, WV, two uncles,
Sammy Butler(Emma Lou) Bluefield, VA, Frank Butler, Monroe,OK. Close neighbor and friends John and Sybil Mills, Vinton, VA. Steps brothers and sisters Robert and Karen Johnson of Colorado, David, Russ, Rhonda and Donna Hall of Canada. Cousins Patty Vance Shermat(Carl), Roanoke, VA, Kathy Hampton Daniels(Joe), New Albany, OH, ,Michael Hampton(BJ) Douglasville, GA, Joey Pierce(Janice) Fuquay Verina, NC, Danny Butler(Ann), Timmy Butler(Vickie), Robbie Butler(Shannon) all of Iaeger, WV , AJ Fields, South Charleston, WV, twelve second cousins, seven third cousins. Pallbearers will be Jack Hall, Jimmy Hampton, Phil Bailey, Michael Hampton, Joey Pierce, Michael Shermat, Carl Shermat, Matthew Daniels, Jarrod Hampton, John Mills.

Funeral service will be held in the Faith Chapel of First Baptist Church 12:00 noon Saturday April 21, 2012, the Rev. Dr Bryan Smith will officiate and entombment will follow at the Belvedere Gardens Mausoleum at Sherwood Memorial Park. In Lieu flowers memorials may be made to The National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P.O Box 77 Bedford VA 24523. The family will receive friends on Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Oakey’s Roanoke Chapel. 540-982-2100, online condolences may be made at www.oakeys.com.

Facts
Born: September 5, 1941
Death: April 17, 2012