James (Jim) Conlan III, 91 of Salem, is now resting, at peace, in the arms of Jesus, whom he loved and worshiped above all. He was born in Glen Cove, NY to his loving parents, who preceded him in death, James F. Conlan and Gertrude Farrell Conlan. He was also preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Schorr and two brothers, George and Joseph. Jim leaves behind two younger sisters, Patricia Kurciviez and Clare Barkovic and her husband Bill.
Jim also leaves behind his adoring wife of 68 years Gertrude (Trudy) Conlan and four heartbroken Children and their spouses, Christopher & Sue, of Southold, NY; Kevin & Karen, of Salem, VA; Karen & Tom OMeara, of Salem, VA and Janet & Joe Castro, of Douglassville, GA. In addition, Jim leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 23 great- grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jim was a retired U. S. Navy veteran having served 26 years active and reserve duty. By trade, Jim followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father as a Master Plumber, owning his own plumbing business on Long Island, NY. He also became a Plant Supervisor for over 25 years at Grumman Aerospace as well as becoming a gentle-man farmer of his and Trudys 75 acre farm in Roanoke County, VA.
His passion of flying led him to earn his Commercial Pilot rating and inspired his sons and several of his grandchildren to fly in the New York Police Department, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. There was nothing Jim would not try and nothing he could not do or fix with his mind and two hands, a trait that he passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Our family would like to express our most sincere appreciation to the Virginia Veterans Care Center and especially to all the dedicated staff on 1E for their kindness and expertise in caring for Dad in his final six months. You made this difficult time so much easier for our family and Dad. I lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Nine Line Foundation for wounded warriors.
He will be sorely missed by all his family here, but we are confident that heaven has just received one of its brightest angels to help guide us through our sorrow. We love you dad.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM, Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem. Rev. Ken Shuping will officiate. Entombment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, Monday, September 3, 2018 at John M. Oakey & Son, Salem. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation
Monday, September 3rd, 2018 2:00pm - 4:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Second Visitation
Monday, September 3rd, 2018 6:00pm - 8:00pm,
John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home
305 Roanoke Boulevard
Salem, Virginia 24153
Service Information
Tuesday, September 4th, 2018 11:00am,
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
314 Turner Road
Salem, Virginia 24153
Interment Location
Tuesday, September 4th, 2018,
Sherwood Memorial Park
1250 East Main Street
Salem, Virginia 24153
