James Loren "Jim" Oliver

James "Jim" Loren Oliver, 90, of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Born December 14, 1934, in Cabin Creek, West Virginia, Jim was a 1951 graduate of East Bank High School and proudly served his cherished country in the United States Marine Corps from 1953-1955, which he considered a lifelong honor. He was employed for over 30 years by American Electric Power, moving to Gallipolis in 1973, where he finished his career at the Gavin Plant.
For 72 years, Jim shared a life full of laughter and fun with the love of his life, Maxie Ann. Together they raised two daughters, Keith Anne and Jo Ellen. He also influenced many "sons" while coaching Pony League Baseball – the game he loved as well as each of his players.
A lifelong West Virginia Fan, Jim always cheered his beloved Mountaineers and took great pride in his West Virginia roots. He enjoyed many rounds of golf at Cliffside Golf Course with dear friends, trips to Myrtle Beach and many family gatherings. A devoted family man, he adored his daughters, sons-in-law, and five grandchildren. Jim loved his very special neighbors with whom he shared daily life, and a "special son", Jamie Lane, who was a neighbor for life. He was also a member of the Elks Club.
On April 24, 1953, Jim married Maxie Ann (Maddox) Oliver and she survives with their daughters, Keith Anne (Jeff) Ream of Shelby, Ohio and Jo Ellen (Butch) Bartko of Jamestown, North Carolina; grandchildren: Kristen (Brandon) Scheck, Allison Bartko, Carly Ream, Bret Bartko and Kathryn Bartko. Jim is also survived by a sister, Mickey Willcox as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Arbutus Oliver, in-laws, Virginia and Harry Ballard, brother, John Oliver and brothers and sisters by marriage, Ray Willcox, Keith and Bonnie Maddox.
The family would like to thank Susan Lowers with SILK In-Home Care and Heartland Hospice for their loving care in his last days.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis, with Pastor Bob Powell officiating. Entombment will follow in the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens with Full Military Graveside Rites by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail. Family and friends may call at the funeral home Saturday, 11:00 AM to the 12:00 PM service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jim's Memory to Gallipolis City Park c/o City of Gallipolis 333 Third Ave Gallipolis OH 45631 or to Heartland Hospice 120 Twin Oaks Drive B Jackson OH 45640
This memorial was lovingly written by Jim's Family for the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Wetherholt Chapel.
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