James Gordon Silvey

James Gordon Silvey, 62, began his final ride into the sunset on Saturday, September 26, 2009, from his home in Goodview after a valiant fight against cancer. Jim was born in Knoxville, Tenn., to the late William Hickman Silvey and Bonnie Kate McPhetridge Silvey. Also predeceasing him was half sister, Elizabeth Ann Monceaux. Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy Murray Webb Silvey; stepchildren, John E. Webb II, of Boones Mill, Britteny Nichole Webb Hill and her husband, John, of Roanoke; and an adored grandson, John Michael Hill II. He is also survived by family members, Vickie and Calvin Altice, of Rocky Mount, Va., Charles and Linda Murray, of Boones Mill, Va., and Katie and Eddie Mullins, of Boones Mill, Va. Also left to cherish his memory are many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends way too numerous to mention. He leaves behind a very cherished aunt and second mother, Helen Rutherford, of Andersonville, Tenn., and her wonderful family. Also surviving in Tennessee are his aunt, Ruby Greene, and her children.
He was blessed with many wonderful friends and neighbors. Truly special to Jim was his friend and brother, Steve Chattin along with his wife, Debbie, Larry and Edna Chattin, (his Virginia parents) and the entire Chattin family of Goodview. The family appreciates the friendship of Scott McCampbell of Valrico, Fla., for his support to the family and for coming to Virginia to help Cindy and accompany Jim to several cancer treatments. Also by his side, at most treatments were daughter, Britteny; his personal chauffeur and restaurant guide; treasured neighbor, Barbara Kidd, has been with Jim and Cindy holding them up in the toughest of times and always there to share wisdom, laughs, tears and countless cups of coffee.
Jim attended school and college in Tennessee and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from American University in Washington, D.C. After serving two tours in Vietnam he returned to the state, to work for the Counter Intelligence Agency in Washington, D.C. He began a long career with the Treasury Department as a special agent with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, retiring as a Resident Agent in Charge of the Roanoke office in 1997.
Throughout this difficult journey with cancer, Jim made many new and cherished friends and the family wishes to thank Dr. Matthew Skelton, Dr. Robert Heath, and their wonderful staff at Blue Ridge Cancer Care, as well as staff of Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, particularly the workers and caregivers on Eight Mountain, the oncology and palliative care units on 10 South, and the stroke unit on 12 West. A special thanks to the Rev. Jim Steel and the Rev. Joey Phillips for their visits and prayers with the family and the many, many people who included them in their daily prayer and prayer chains.
Sometimes called a Cowboy and sometimes called an Indian, Jim was always a true mischievous Tennessee boy at heart. He pursued many hobbies with passion and persistence, including flint knapping, bow and arrow making, fishing, boating, hunting, travel, golfing, and others. He never lost his desire for education and continued to read and research his many interests and maintained his sense of humor until the end.
Visitation will be held at Oakey's Vinton Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2009, with a praise and song celebration presented at 7:15 p.m. by dear friend, Kenneth Childress. Visitation will be held at Rose's Mortuary Service Broadway Chapel, Knoxville, Tenn., from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2009, with a memorial service immediately following. Interment with full Military Honors will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2009, at Greenwood Cemetery, Knoxville, Tenn.
The family respectfully requests that those wishing to visit the home or to bring additional food consider donations to the Rescue Mission or Ram House in Roanoke, Va., or a donation to the Boones Mill Baptist Church Family Life Center, Boones Mill, Va. It was Jim's request that friends and loved ones send a gift of flowers to someone in their lives or a shut in, nursing home resident, or hospital patient. Flowers will be accepted but Jim always believed in sending flowers to the special living people in his life. In Roanoke the family is being serviced by Creative Occasions in Vinton, 540-345-8385, and in Tennessee by Flowers by Bob, 865-992.8184.