James E. Vess

Dr. James E. Vess, 70, died Wednesday, October 7, 2009, in the presence of his family in Marietta, Ga. A service will be held 11 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2009, at the Nicopolis Church in Bedford, Va. Visiting hours will be on Sunday evening, October 11, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home in Bedford, Va., from 6 to 8 p.m. Dr. Vess was born on June 13, 1939, in Clifton Forge, Va., to Henry and Margaret Vess. He graduated from Big Island High School in 1957. He married Lois Bowyer on November 25, 1959, in Big Island, Va. His family wrote: "James was an energetic, charismatic person that filled every room he entered with his spirit. He was blessed with a keen sense of humor that was enjoyed by everyone he met, a work ethic that surpassed most, and a love of life that was to be envied. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather." He is survived by his wife, Lois Bowyer Vess, of Marietta, Ga.; son and daughter-in-law, Gregory and Kimberly Vess, of Kennesaw, Ga.; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Tony Studebaker, of Conyers, Ga.; grandchildren, Payne and Padraig Vess, of Kennesaw, Ga., and Austin, Andrew, Anna, and Alex Studebaker, of Conyers, Ga.; brother and sister-in-law, Henry Vess Jr. and Doris Vess, of Monroe, Va.; and nephews, Russell Vess and wife, Pam Vess, of Big Island, and Henry Vess III and wife, Christine Walroth, of Cashton, Wis. Send condolences to the family at www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.