James Henry Rutherford

James Henry Rutherford, 84, of Danville, WV, formerly of McCarr, KY, went home to be with the Lord on Friday evening, February 27, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 23, 1941, in Delbarton, WV, to the late John and Ruth (Wright) Rutherford.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Arthur, and Rosabell (Roberts) Lockard, and his sisters, Patricia Ann Rutherford and Jennifer Sue Rutherford.

James was a longtime member of the Sprigg Freewill Baptist Church of Sprigg, WV. A hardworking man through and through, he retired as a coal miner after more than 40 years of dedicated work and later was the owner and operator of J&R Trucking of Uneeda, WV for about 20 years. Known by many as "The man, the myth, the legend," James was truly one of a kind, steady, strong, and full of love for his family. He especially enjoyed watching westerns, and none more than those starring John Wayne.

Those left to cherish his memory include the love of his life of over 63 years, his wife, Deanna Dona Rutherford of Danville, WV; two daughters, Ramona Hankinson and her husband Ken of Danville, WV, and Shelia Ramey-Lieberman and her husband Josh of Greencastle, PA; grandchildren, "The Three OG's," Jamie Michelle Gilmour and her husband Happy of Madison, WV, Abigail Stitely and her husband Tracy of Chambersburg, PA, and Alex Jean Topping and her husband Nick of Madison, WV; along with Rickie Justice of Danville, WV, Olivia Lieberman of Greencastle, PA, and Lilli Lieberman of Greencastle, PA; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Jocelyn, and Robbie Ray G., Violet T., and Charlotte and Oakley S.; and a very special nephew, Joseph David Rutherford.

Surviving siblings include brothers, Johnny Rutherford of McCarr, KY, David Rutherford and his wife Dovie of McCarr, KY, and Tommy Rutherford and his wife Mary of Julian, WV; and sisters, Lois Hunt and her husband Velton of Lumberton, NC, Freda Fitch of McCarr, KY, and Janet Daniels of Hardy, KY. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends also survive him.

The family will begin receiving friends in the Chambers Funeral Services Chapel on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Services honoring James' life will begin at 12 p.m. with Pastor Stanley Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Memory Gardens of Huddy, KY, with family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Expressions of sympathy may also be shared with the family by visiting www.chambersfuneralservices.com

Arrangements for the James Rutherford family are in the care of Chambers Funeral Services, Inc., in Matewan, WV.

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