James Ray "Jim" Wampler

Dr. James Ray Wampler passed away quietly at his home on Friday, November 23, 2018. He was born on August 9, 1934 in Harrisonburg, Va., the only son of Joseph and Lucille Wampler. He was an alumnus of Harrisonburg High School, Bridgewater College, the University of Richmond and received advanced degrees from the University of Maryland Dental School (DDS) and Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Ph.D). Called Doc by friends and family alike, he appreciated jazz music and was an avid musician, playing both the clarinet and saxophone. He even played in the Baltimore Colts Marching Band! His love of music was instilled at an early age by his father, Joseph, who led the Harrisonburg marching band. Doc practiced dental surgery in the Roanoke Valley for many years. He was a fair and equitable dentist, treating those who could pay and many who could not. At his core, Doc believed in helping others. Not one to sit still, Doc liked to run, play tennis, lift weights, and keep fit. He was passionate about sports and coaching little league football and basketball as well as neighborhood tennis. If you played a youth sport in the Roanoke Valley, theres a good chance he was one of your coaches! Doc truly enjoyed teaching the fundamentals of sports and teamwork and believed as most do that athletics provide youths invaluable life skills. Doc loved knowing his coaching contributions would help these youngsters later in life. Doc was a great cook, collected many cookbooks, and had serious thoughts about what constituted a good Virginia ham. To the delight of his nephews and niece, every Thanksgiving he requested the dark turkey meat. In retirement, he continued to pursue academic interests, studying the positive effects of magnesium and pursuing his Ph.D. at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Doc was a true and loyal friend to many. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy Wampler Landen; brother-in-law, Walter Landen, Sr.; nephews, Walter Landen, Jr. and Joseph Landen; and niece, Elizabeth Landen; as well as three grand-nephews, all of Denver, Colo. Services will be held in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel located at 305 Roanoke Boulevard in Salem, Va. on Thursday, November 29, 2018. Visiting hours will start at 2 p.m. and the service at 3 p.m. Pastor Tom Cribb will officiate. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Salem Sports Foundation at P.O. Box 642 in Salem, Va. 24153. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com. Service Details. Visitation When Thursday, November 29th, 2018 2:00pm - 3:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Memorial Service When Thursday, November 29th, 2018 3:00pm Location John M. Oakey & Son Chapel Address 305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153 Interment When Friday, November 30th, 2018 Location Woodbine Cemetery Address 21 Reservoir Street Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801