Gerald O’Dell Jamison

Gerald O'Dell Jamison, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 93. He left this world surrounded by his loving wife and his children.
Born on September 10, 1931 to Otis and Myrtle Jamison, Gerald was raised on Dusk Camp Road in Gilmer County. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Paul, Dale, Basil, Roger, & Randall Jamison, and Omar Bosley, as well as his sisters Oralea Gerwig and Leragean Rowh.
Gerald's devoted wife of over 73 years, Violet (Nicholson) Jamison, survives him. Together, they built a life and raised five children. Gerald and Violet's journey began in 1951 when they married and started their family in Copen where they ran a store for several years. As their family expanded and Gerald started a new career in construction, they relocated to The Plains, Ohio where they lived for many years before eventually returning to West Virginia and settling in Sutton.
Along with Gerald's wife Violet he is survived by the couple's five children: Judie (Jimmy) Brown, Jack (Carol) Jamison, Crystal (Jeff) Johnson, Connie Roberts, and Vince (Robin) Jamison, ten grandchildren: Leslie (Jake) Truman, Jamie (Tiffany) Brown, Staci (Chris) Stoneberger, Michael (Amy) Jamison, Ashlee (Jon) Dangerfield, Dakota Johnson, Corey Roberts, Cami Roberts, Cassidy Jamison, and Morgan Jamison, eight great-grandchildren, and a church family at Stump Chapel.
In his younger years, Gerald enjoyed hunting and looked forward to each season with great anticipation, always hoping for a chance at that big buck. He also cherished the summer months, often spending time boating with his family, taking them to the river for water skiing and other water fun. He and Violet loved camping, often dining in the boat or enjoying a campfire.
Through his work Gerald made a significant impact on West Virginia, helping to build interstate 79. As a skilled Heavy Equipment Machine Operator, he was part of the backbone of the state's infrastructure. After working in construction, he moved on to coal mining where he eventually retired from Oneida Coal Company in 1997. Both his chosen career paths were a testament to his work ethic, a quality he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
Throughout his later years Gerald found comfort and guidance in the gospel. He was baptized at Stump Chapel, where his faith remained strong.
Gerald was a man who never stopped moving. Whether it was working, taking on projects around the house, or enjoying his hobbies, he always kept busy. Known far and wide by his CB radio handle "Wagon Wheel," he made an impression on all who knew him.
Though he is no longer with us, Gerald's legacy will live on through the roads he helped build, his family, and his friends and neighbors whose lives he touched.
Services for Gerald will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Stump Chapel Church. The family will receive visitors from 10:00-11:00am with a service following. Gerald will be interred at Little Kanawha Memorial Gardens in Heaters, WV. Online condolences may be left at www.roachfuneralhome.com
Rest in peace, Gerald. You will be missed.