CONNIE KAY STICKLER JAMES

1951 - 2015

CONNIE KAY STICKLER JAMES, 63, of West Hamlin, W.Va., passed away Friday, April 17, 2015, following a sudden illness. Connie was born September 11, 1951, in Huntington, the elder daughter of Agnes "Billie" Hughes Stickler and Sherrell Stickler. She grew up in West Hamlin, where her father served as a magistrate for many years and owned and operated Stickler's Exxon. A graduate of Guyan Valley High School, class of 1969, she was a star student athlete. Like her parents before her, she owned a small business in her hometown. She enjoyed her practice as a beautician and was active in local politics. By far her most treasured role in life was being a mother to her daughter Misty. She was a devout member of Center Point Baptist Church. Not one to know a stranger, she could often be found entertaining friends at her table and outwitting them in games. Her laughter warmed the hearts of all who knew her. She will be remembered by her many loved ones for her fierce love for her family, her constant friendship, and her smiling blue-green eyes. Connie is survived by her husband Joey James; her beloved daughter and best friend Misty Mitchell Kirwan, and son-in-law Aaron Kirwan; special grandson Michael Clark; her sister Drema Stickler Cook and brothers Dan and Kirby Stickler; sister-in-law Regina Stickler; brother-in-law David Cook; nieces Kasey and Morgan Stickler, Katelyn Cook and Rachael Stickler Carrico; nephews Brandon and Ryan Cook and Danny Stickler; aunts Juanita Jones and Christine and Nona Morrison; uncles Darrell "Tad" Morrison and Junior Hughes; cousins Angie, Taylor and Zach Williamson and Johnny Bryan; and special friends Karen Skeens, Maybell Hager and Sue and Lisa Stone-Conrad. She is preceded in death by her parents Billie and Sherrell Stickler and dear cousin and lifelong friend Cindy Jones Parsons. Visiting hours will be held Sunday, April 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin, W.Va., and one hour prior to funeral service which will be held 11 a.m. Monday, April 20, at Center Point Baptist Church, West Hamlin, W.Va., with Elder Lenny Romans and Farris Burton Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Memory Gardens, Hamlin W.Va.