James Edwin Melton Senior

James Edwin Melton, Senior

James Edwin Melton, Sr., 36, was taken from this world February 24, 2017.

James was notorious for running the roads. Running to friends who were having car trouble, to someone who needed an extra hand with their kids, to someone in the hospital who needed a friendly face, to someone who needed an extra few dollars, to ride kids around on a fire truck or to just say hello to an old friend.

Through his tough and tumble exterior, James was most known for his twinkling blue eyes, mischievous smile and generous heart. A tragic loss to all those who loved him, James embraced life and cherished his young son most, sharing with him his love of fishing, hunting, racing, basketball and most recently karate.

His family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from those who have supported them during this heartbreaking time. Hearing so many unknown stories from friends of his silly antics, his selfless kindness, and his protective spirit have enlightened and cheered his family in their time of grief. The Melton Family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to each and every person participating in this sustained show of love and support.

In moments of sorrow, family and friends should take comfort in knowing that James continued his selfless spirit even in his last moments with the gift of life via organ donation. His heart will beat on in another and four other people were given lifesaving operations because of his gifts; many others will experience a life-altering benefit from his generous donations as well.

Those left to treasure his memory and continue in his footsteps are his son, James Edwin Melton, Jr.; his parents Charles and Ruth Melton; and his siblings Michael Melton, Cynthia Melton Walker, Alun Melton, Sarah Melton and Melissa Milner; a crew of nieces and nephews and many more family and friends.

Visitation services will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2017, and continued Thursday at 8 a.m. until time of the service at Hixson Brothers, Alexandria.

James' family will celebrate his life in services officiated by Pastor Steve Speer of His Church, Pineville, at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 2, 2017, at the Hixson Brothers Chapel, Alexandria. Burial services will follow at Paul Cemetery, Forest Hill, and be led by Pastor Joshua Adams of Pisgah Baptist Church, Forest Hill.

Pallbearers will be Michael and Alun Melton, Craig Walker, Peta Milner, Greg Brister, and Scott Young.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, please donate in James' name to St. Jude's Children Hospital at www.stjude.org. So many have come to our aid in our time of need and we'd like to pass their generous gifts forward, just as James lived his daily life.

To extend online condolences to the Melton family, please visit us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.