James William Eavey

James William Eavey, 77, of Moneta, passed away March 2, 2009, after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by four sons, infants William David, Thomas William and Robert Lee, and in 1981 by William Mark (Bill), who was a student at Boston University at the time of his death, and in 1990 by grandson, Andrew Hartley. He was also preceded in death by his parents, R.D. and Katherine Eavey, of Weyers Cave. Mr. Eavey is survived by his beloved wife, Jean Wood Eavey, whom he affectionately called "Doje", and by daughter, Marjie Gowdy and husband, Willard P. Gowdy, of Callaway; grandchildren, Michael Hartley and wife, Sarah Lucas Hartley, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Mary Catherine Hartley and friend, Ryan Kaldari of Nashville, Tenn., as well as by his siblings: Roland D. Eavey and the late Elizabeth Eavey, of Media, Pa., Basil L. and Ruby Eavey, of Keymar, Md., De Ray and Becky Eavey, of Grottoes, Va., and the Rev. Warren Landis and Wanda Landis of Newport News, Va.; by sister-in-law and husband, Nancy and Robert Phelan, of Spring Hill, Fla.; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins on both sides of the family. Mr. Eavey was born in Sangersville in 1931. After retirement, Jim and Jean lived at Smith Mountain Lake and enjoyed many neighbors and friends from around the country as well as their devoted cat, Ginger. Mr. Eavey was retired after 40 years as a public school administrator in seven communities around Virginia, including Superintendent of Schools in Isle of Wight County, Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Roanoke City and in Warren County, Director of Instruction in Culpeper County, and principal of many schools in Roanoke City and County and Loudoun County. He also was a mentor and friend to many individuals in the area over the years. Mr. Eavey attended Ferrum College and graduated from Madison College, now James Madison University, where he and Jean met. He also received a Master's of Education from University of Virginia. There will be a graveside service Friday, March 6, 2009, at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Roanoke. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: James Madison University Foundation, Harrisonburg, Va. Arrangements by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel & Crematory, 540-982-2100.