James H. Poss

1936 - 2022

James H. Poss

Wilder, VT — James H. Poss (Jim), 85, died Monday, June 13, 2022 at the Concord Hospital in Concord, NH, after a long and courageous battle with multiple illnesses.

Jim was born October 28, 1936 in Marietta, GA, a son of William Clarence and Bessie (Dean) Poss. He grew up in Marietta and graduated from Sprayberry High School class of 1954. He immediately joined the Military serving honorably for twenty years, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant, and earning numerous awards, commendations and medals, including multiple Bronze Stars. Jim volunteered for three tours of duty in Vietnam before retiring in 1974. Following his retirement from the military, he went into the chemical tanker business, retiring in 2000. During the Iraq War, he contracted with KBR as a Convoy commander from 2004-2007. In 2010, he met the love of his life and future wife, Erin, on Facebook. They were married 5-1/2 months later in Center, AL. They moved to the Upper Valley in 2012 and later settled in Wilder where they have lived ever since.

Jim was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Centre, AL, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and was a former member of the Planning and Zoning Commission in Villa Rica, GA. Jim loved NASCAR, fishing, working on cars but his greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends. Jim never did anything halfway. He loved with his whole heart, he gave 200% to everything he did, and he was the most loving, loyal and compassionate friend you could ever have. Jim was the kindest soul, who would do anything for anyone, and who would give you the shirt off his back. He lived an exemplary and impeccable life and died a very loved and important man. He was known always, as a man in the service of his fellow men and country. He was a man of unshakeable conviction. He was a man of great integrity and honor, and he leaves behind a giant hole in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him, which can never be filled.

Jim was predeceased by a son, who died shortly after birth, James H. Poss, Jr.; a daughter, Lori Poss and two brothers, Jerry and Larry Poss.

He is survived by his wife, Erin Poss, of Wilder and son, Michael; daughter, Olivia Grace Poss; son, Jimmy Poss of Cumming, GA; a daughter, Sherrie Barnwell of McDonough, GA; sons, Joey Kelly and Tim Kelley of Villa Rica, GA; daughter, Denise Kelly Mitchell of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Haylee Mitchell Crawford, Amanda Mitchell, Lindsey Cobb, Morgan and Trent Barnwell, Nikki Stoyles, Whitney Brock, Emily Kelley, Beau Kelley, Angel Poss, Heather Shumake, Amber Poss Barts, Blake Crispino, James Parham, Kevin Poss and Ashlyn Poss; a brother, Jack (Georgia Ann) Poss, of Buchanan, GA; two sisters, Peggie Poss of Marietta, GA and Shirley (Elmer) Evans of Woodstock, GA; and his Constant Companions and Beloved Shih Tzus, Minnie and Wynter Grace, whom he adored.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, followed by full military honors. Condolences may be expressed to Jim's family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes.com. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date, with details to follow.

Memorial Contributions in Jim's name can be made to the Parkinson's Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation.