James Franklin Safewright Jr.

James Franklin Safewright, Jr. James Franklin Safewright, Jr., age 76 of Tazewell, VA, passed away Thurs., Feb. 3, 2011 at Heritage Hall in Tazewell, VA. Born in Pocahontas, VA, to parents James F. and Lillian Nicewander Safewright, he served his country in Korea with the United States Marine Corps. Jim spent his entire professional career in the death care industry. He served families for over 50 years as a licensed funeral director, embalmer, and cemeterian. He was part of the Tazewell High School National Champion Livestock Judging team and served as the captain of the first chartered rescue squad in Southwest Virginia. Jim loved animals and that led him to own about every kind of animal known to zoology. His passion for horses led him to start Lonesome Pine Stables and was recognized throughout horseshow circles as one of the best trainers of roadster ponies and horses in the nation. Jim never met a stranger and was always eager to help anyone. His accomplishments in life were too numerous to list, but will live on in those he had helped to mentor along his journey. Survivors include his wife, Judy Atkins-Safewright; sons, James A. Safewright and Randy L. Safewright; daughters, Patricia D. Safewright, Sandra L. Safewright, and T. J. Safewright-King; step-children, Pamela Atkins, Billy Atkins, Frankie Atkins, Barbara Blake, Margie Bartlett, Robin Allison, and Joe Cline; grandchildren, Ashley D. Safewright, Randy L. Safewright, Jr., Jared and Alecia Honaker, Dustin Bell, J. P. King, Corey King; great grandchild, Gabriel Henderson. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thurs., Feb. 10, 2011, at Peery and St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. with Pastor Steve Branch officiating. Interment, with military honors, will be Fri., Feb. 11, 2011, 10 a.m., at Grandview Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.peerystclairfuneralhome.com