James W. Fontaine Jr.

James W.

Fontaine Jr.

James W. Fontaine Jr., "Jimmy," as he was known all of his life, died at 4:10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. He was the son of James W. and Darlene Fontaine.

He graduated from Amherst County High School in June of 1991. He completed classes at CVCC in drafting and blueprint reading while still a high school senior. After graduation, he gained employment at what is now, after several name changes, Areva, where he was employed for 15 years. He followed in his dad's footsteps, becoming a machinist, lacking only one or two classes in getting his journeyman's card. He could program any computer or NC machine that was put in front of him. He excelled at writing programs for the NC machine, being self taught, and his most recent employment was at Weggman, USA, who gave him a second chance at his career. Jimmy elected not to go to college as he didn't want to sit behind a desk all day, saying that he'd rather be outside in God's beautiful yard. He was a hard working, outgoing guy who did for others anytime they asked for help or a favor. He was fortunate to have bought his own home right out of high school, also his truck, motorcycle and boat, all due to his working while in school and completing classes at CVCC. He loved his motorcycle, saying he loved the feel of fresh air in

his face.

Jimmy loved being out of doors, working in the yard and growing flowers. He got his green thumb from his mom and his grand mom. He briefly had his own lawn care business but gave it up to concentrate on his job at Areva. He enjoyed his three beautiful boys, taking care of his home and helping his wife to return to college to pursue her B.S. in nursing.

Jimmy was a member of First Baptist Church of Lynchburg, where he was baptized and raised in Sunday school, having perfect attendance for many of his younger years. He most recently, on special occasions, attended Madison Heights

Baptist Church.

He was married for 10 years, before their divorce, to Victoria Ward Fontaine, and they had three beautiful boys, Ryan MacKenzie Fontaine, 12, Colby Alexander Fontaine, 8, and James William Fontaine, 4, who survive him and will someday see him without illness. He put his heart and soul into his marriage and his boys until he was unable to overcome the demon in his soul and until his illness consumed his very being.

In addition to his parents, who supported and cared for him to the very end, and his sons, he is survived by one sister, Kathy Fontaine Robinson, and her husband, Richard, who thought of Jimmy as a brother and worked very hard trying to help him overcome his illness, and their son, Jimmy's nephew, Hunter.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Harold and Jean Crouse, and his paternal grandfather, Wilfred L. Fontaine.

He is survived by many aunts and uncles, Joan and Mike Smoot, who visited him regularly during his illness and are helping his parents make sure that Jimmy's last requests are honored, Gene Fontaine and his family of Evington, Lynn Crouse of Forest and Debbie Keenan and her daughter, Jennifer, also of Forest. He grew up with one special cousin, Michael Smoot of Lynchburg, with whom he spent many weekends and attended Sunday school and many church trips.

Jimmy was preceded in death by a very special and close "cousin-in-law," Edward "Doug" Stratton. Doug's wife, Tammy, a very special cousin, and her husband, Larry Johnson, survive Jimmy. Bruce Conner, a very special and close friend, will never be forgotten for his support, visits and phone calls to Jimmy and helping his mom, Darlene, with funeral arrangements. Jimmy had many friends in the community and will be missed by his untimely passing.

Jimmy's dad, James Sr., is and has been a member of the Monelison Rescue Squad for 33 years, therefore the family requests that instead of flowers, donations may be made to Jim and Darlene for a trust for Jimmy's three sons or to the Monelison Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 56, Madison Heights, VA 24572, att: Nancy Roakes. Now that he may only view the flowers from his heavenly home, the money may be better served by helping his sons. Ryan is "set on" Va. Tech and to study law, Colby has no school in mind but wants to become a dentist and Will, only 4,

who knows.

Jimmy's parents send their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Rev. Dave Moquin from Thomas Road Baptist Church, who took Jimmy under his wing for the last few weeks, visiting him daily in the hospital and after coming home. Jimmy rededicated his life to God while so ill in the hospital under the guidance of the Rev. Dave, and Jimmy has requested that the Rev. Dave have part in his services along with the the Rev. John Boyles, a personal friend of the family.

James and Darlene whole heartedly thank each of you who provided support during this difficult time and especially to Darlene's special friend, Arlene Johnson, who took it upon herself to feed them all during the last few weeks. Also, many thanks, to the Monelison Rescue Squad members who responded "en Masse" for each of our calls for assitance. To our neighbors who always knew when Will was here and knew that the ambulance would surely be here with the "red lights on, Pa-Pa" and now the horn! - we thank you all for your concern, prayers and visits.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, at Whitten Monelison Chapel. Interment will follow in Briarwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, at Whitten Monelison and at other times you are welcome at the residence.

To send condolences and messages online, please go to www.whitten

funeralhome.com. Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Monelison Chapel, is serving the Fontaine family.