James "Jim" Lash Sr.

James Robert Lash, 85, of Wheeling, WV, passed away on February 18, 2026, at his home in Union, KY after a long battle with cancer. Born on January 22, 1941 to the late Robert and Sara (James) Lash, in Wheeling WV, Jim lived a life full of love and devotion to his family.

Jim graduated from Warwood High School in 1958 and was an all-around athlete. He played football, basketball, baseball and ran track throughout high school. Jim continued his education at Bethany College graduating in 1962 with a degree in Sociology where he was a four-year baseball letterman and Sergeant at Arms at Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He tried out to pitch for the Pittsburgh Pirates after graduating college but suffered from a shoulder injury which kept him from advancing toward a career as an MLB player. Shortly thereafter, he settled down and started a family with his high school sweetheart (Linda Kay Little). He joined Aetna Life & Casualty as a claims adjuster while moonlighting as a bartender. Jim continued his career within the insurance industry for 30 years before retiring to Florida.

In his retirement, Jim spent time with his wife Linda, playing tennis and supporting his favorite college sports team, the West Virginia Mountaineers. He was someone that people enjoyed speaking to and spending time with. He was a kind soul with a warm heart, always thinking of others.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda Kay (Little) Lash. Left to celebrate his life and carry on his legacy are his children: Kimberly (Antonio) Leonardo and James (Frances) Lash, Jr.; his cherished grandchildren: Jeffrey Lash, Shane (Charlotte) Lash, Evan Lash, Maile (Garrott) Steckelberg, Travis (Carly) Leonardo, Jesse Leonardo and two great grandchildren and his sister, Patricia Edge.

Friends and family will be received Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 1;00 pm to 4:00 pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1400 Eoff Street, Wheeling, WV 26003. A private graveside service for the immediate family will be held at Greenwood Cemetery on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Jim's memory to the Alzheimer's Association, the disease that his wife Linda struggled with for so many years or Wounded Warrior Project are appreciated. Jim felt it was his duty to support our veterans and was very proud of his son-in-law and grandsons who served/are currently serving in the military.