James Willard Gross

James Willard (Jim) Gross, 78, of Vinton, Va., passed away Wednesday, November 7, 2007. He was born in Giles County, Va. July 23, 1929. Jim was formerly a circuit minister for the United Methodist Church, a member of Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church and attended Blue Ridge Baptist Church. He was a State Farm agent for 38 years, was a member of the Gideons International and often spoke at the Rescue Mission on behalf of the Gideons as well as other area churches. Jim served in the United States Army in Germany during the Korean Conflict. He was predeceased by his parents, William Mack Gross and Cecelia Price Gross; and two sisters, Ann Chaney and Mary Turner. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Sarah Lawson Gross, of Vinton; his children, David Gross, of Vinton, Cynthia Price and her husband, Anthony, of Christiansburg, Va., Susan Gross, of New York, N.Y., Jimmy Gross, of Narrows, Va., and Timothy Gross, of Pearisburg, Va.; nine granddaughters, Sarah Beth Price, Zoe Hope Price, Hanna Lynn Price, Kaitlin Price, Kalley Price, Aniston Hudson, all of Christiansburg, Courtney Gross, Samantha Gross and Adriona Johnston, all of Narrows; two greatgranddaughters, Alexis Price and McKenzie Vaught, both of Narrows; three sisters, Evelyn Hale and husband, Bobby, of Roanoke, Va., Janice Frye, of Pearisburg, Emogene Fisher and husband, Buddy, of Narrows; and many nieces and nephews. Jim loved God, his family, his friends, and his extended family, his policyholders. Funeral services will be conducted noon on Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Oakey's Vinton Chapel with the Rev. Tom Hurt and the Rev. Dr. Rob Colwell officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gideons International or to the Roanoke Rescue Mission. The family will receive friends, Friday, November 9, 2007, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Oakey's Vinton Chapel, 540-982-2221.