James Howard "Jim" Wiest

James Howard Wiest, a proud son of West Virginia, departed this world at his home on February 28th, 2025, due to heart complications.
Jim was born to Miranda Elizabeth Eden and Charles Howard Wiest on October 4th, 1948, in Charleston, WV. He is survived by Scottie Roberts Wiest, his wife of fifty-two years, and his sister, Karen Wiest Thacker, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and a great many friends.
Raised on Tyler Mountain near Cross Lanes, WV, Jim spent many days working in his father's general store. He attended Nitro High School, was a Boy Scout and learned many skills from his father and his time in the scouts. He went on to attend West Virginia Tech at Montgomery where he studied physics. Jim enjoyed traveling and while backpacking across Europe, he learned to craft leather in Belgium. After traveling for a time, he started making leather goods and working craft shows across Appalachia. It was during this time that he met his wife, an accomplished potter. They homesteaded a piece of land in southern Upshur County and were integral in the early years of the celebrated Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins. Jim also worked for Xerox for twenty years out of central WV. He and his wife moved to Elkins, WV in the mid 80's. A man of many interests, he was also a woodworker and a pilot.
In 1998, he was diagnosed with sarcoma of the head and neck and later suffered a stroke post-surgery. He may have slowed a bit, but Jim didn't let the tribulations of mortality stop him. He adapted and continued to be active in the community during his rehabilitation.
Jim was a proud member of The Tygart Valley Lions Club, Men Eating Nowhere Special Again, and The Society of the Preservation of Allium Tricoccum and Mephitis mephitis, also known as the Lonesome Polecats. He also served on the board of the Rich Mountain Battlefield Foundation.
Jim's resilience, his knowledge, his perseverance, his gratitude, his generosity, his friendship and his love both inspired and illuminated all who knew him. He will be missed.
There will be a grand party in memory of Jim Wiest this summer when the weather is more pleasant.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to West Virginia Public Broadcasting, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy or Mountain Hospice in Jim's name.