Back        Send condolences to the Herron Family

James L. Herron       

November 23, 1925

September 23, 2008

James L. Herron, 82, Bridgeport, passed away Monday, September 22, 2008 at Nella’s of Crystal Springs, where he had been a longtime resident. He was born on November 23, 1925 in Ritchie County, son of the late Jack L. and Irene Radcliff Herron.  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Emerson Herron.

He is survived by his daughter, Rosemarie; two sons, James Emerson and his wife Beth; and Willard Jeffery and his wife Lora; brothers, Danny and Harold; and a sister Doris. He had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Jim had a long and interesting life. He served in the US Army in WWII in Luzon during the liberation of the Philippines as a Sergeant in the 754th Tank Battalion, surviving many fierce battles. He was a hard worker. During the early 1960s while working for Virginia and Pittsburgh Coal Company by day, he would drill, shoot and load coal by hand at night, using a horse to pull the loaded cars of coal from a mine in the Flemington area. He later founded Herron Coal and Bee Jay Coal Company. He was a graduate of the School of Hard Knocks, a member of the American Legion and many fraternal organizations.

He loved to entertain, hosting many neighborhood parties where guests would sing old songs around the piano which Rosemarie would play long into the night. Later in life
he enjoyed many wonderful days and nights aboard his boat the “James L” with family and friends at Tygart Lake and the Florida Keys.

He’ll be remembered fondly by numerous friends and cornfield sailors. He left an indelible impression on everyone. He hugged and kissed the women and shook all the men’s hands. Most of his employees said he was the best boss they ever had and he provided well for his family.

Thanks to all the wonderful people at Nella’s and the doctors and nurses who cared for him.

Well friends, katy bar the door and have a toast in his honor. We wonder if he’ll finally get to deliver that big bouquet of roses ?

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Burnside Funeral Home, Bridgeport

Back