James Earl (Jimmy) Topping passed away at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia on May 14, 2014 after a sudden illness.
Jimmy was born in Hinton, West Virginia on April 13, 1944 to Robert Jackson Topping and Frances Keffer Topping Wilfong, both of whom precede him in death.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Donna Topping of Peterstown, West Virginia; daughter, Kelli Holland and her husband Jim of Faison, North Carolina; son, James Jarrod Topping of Hinton, West Virginia; grandson, William Cody Ratcliff of Newport, Virginia and brother, Robert Jackson (Jack) Topping of Salem, Virginia. Additional survivors include his aunt, Norma Keffer Schrader Sullivan of Hinton, West Virginia; his uncle, Ross Keffer of Winter Haven, Florida and nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.
After graduating from Hinton High School in 1962, Jimmy proudly served as a Marine during the Vietnam era. He was an honor guard for the funeral of President John F. Kennedy.
He then attended Western Kentucky University and later received his Business Degree from Concord University.
Jim held a lifetime membership in the Hinton VFW Post 4500, and was also a member of the Hinton Jaycees, Hinton Elks Lodge and served as a member of the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Area.
Jimmy’s loves were many and varied. His first loves were his God, his wife, Donna, and their daughter, Kelli, son, Jarrod and grandson Cody. He was a member from childhood of the First Christian Church in Hinton where his heart always remained.
During his 24 year tenure as administrator of Riverview Nursing Home in Rich Creek, Virginia, he was instrumental in completing the expansion of the facility and implementing Horticultural Therapy programs to enrich residents’ lives. The Horticulture program resulted from his interest in nature and the completion of a Master Gardening program at Virginia Tech.
Jimmy developed many extraordinary and long lasting friendships through his life’s travels, his love of golf, South Carolina shag dancing and with his work and civic affiliations by treating all he met with love and respect.
A celebration of his life will be held at the First Christian Church on 7th Avenue in Hinton, West Virginia on Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Gary Adkins officiating. Friends and family are invited to share memories and stories of their time with Jimmy during the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. 540-389-5441. An online guestbook is available by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.