James Milven DeLong Jr.

James Milven DeLong Jr., 56, of Roanoke, Va., passed away Saturday morning, June 12, 2010, at his home in his favorite chair when he lost his battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, George Shell; stepbrother, Lewis Shell; and Steve Delong. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and retired from Snyders of Hanover. He was an active member of the Kazim Shriners and he loved being a Klown of the Shriners. He was also a rodeo clown while he was stationed in Utah. He was born August 30, 1953, the son of his mother, Dean Shell, and his father, James Melvin DeLong Sr. Also surviving are his loving wife, Beth DeLong; son, Danny DeLong and son, Richard; daughter, Sheryl Delp; stepchildren, Michael, Selene; three grandchildren, Adam, Clinton and Austin Delp; stepsisters, Lynn Trent, Linda Vining and Susan; stepbrothers, Rodney, Richard Shell and Tommy DeLong; nieces and nephews; his family of Kazim Klowns. His family would like to thank the Blue Ridge Cancer Center at Lewis Gale Hospital, also Dr. Karri and the staff of the Infusion Center for all their care and support. Memorial services will be conducted 7 p.m. Wednesday night at Lotz Roanoke Chapel with Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. before the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to the Kazim Shriners Children Hospital, 628 W. Campbell Avenue, Roanoke, Va. 24016. Arrangements by Lotz Funeral Home, Roanoke, Va. Online condolences to the family at www.lotzfuneralhome.com.