James Crockett Earhart

A very quiet man, James Crockett (Jay) Earhart, of Vinton, Va., and formerly of Wytheville, Va., closed his eyes on earth and opened them to see the shining face of his Almighty Father on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Jay was born in Wythe County in 1922 to Wythe and Dixie Foglesong Earhart. He married Elmyra Callahan in 1942 and the following year left to serve his country in the Army. He was originally stationed in Fort Hill, Okla., with Battery A, 33rd Battalion. The remainder of his service was spent in the Pacific Theater, including Australia, New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan. Upon his return home, he became an over the road truck driver, eventually retiring from Associated Transport. With the feel of the road still in him, he drove again briefly for Jones Transfer and Smith Transfer and finally as a bus driver for Bedford County schools. Along the way, Jay and Elmyra opened their home for her dad, his mother and two nieces to live for a period of time.
He was a member of VFW Post #4522, American Legion Post #0080, and Teamsters Local 171. He was a member of Midland Baptist Church and was a faithful member until his health prevented him from attending. He held several positions at Midland, including Superintendent of Sunday School, Deacon, Chairman of Deacons and Treasurer.
In addition to his parents, Jay was preceded in death by his faithful and loving wife, Elmyra in 1998; and an infant grandson.
Jay is survived by his daughters, Janet Amos, of Roanoke, his caregiver since October, 2008, Carol (Penny) Earhart, of Salem, and Tina S. Earhart, of Affton, Mo.; granddaughters, Jackie P. Amos, and Kaye Williams and husband, Gary, of Roanoke; sister, Margaret Bowles, of Locust Grove; and her children, Thelma, Shirley, and Billy; and many nieces and nephews from his marriage to the Callahan family of Wytheville.
The family would like to thank VAMC, Good Samaritan Hospice, his church family, and especially, Valerie White, for her care and compassion in caring for Daddy the last few months.
Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2009, at Oakey's Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Rodger Hogan and the Rev. Juan Barr officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Wytheville, Va.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Good Samaritan Hospice or Midland Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2009, at Oakey's Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221.