James Stoddart Whetzel

James (Jim) Stoddart Whetzel, of Roanoke, went to be with his Lord on Sunday night, May 15, 2016. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. on Friday, May 19, 1922. Jim was residing at the Virginia Veterans Care Center at the time of his death. Jim leaves behind his son, John David Whetzel and wife, Sharon, of Roanoke; grandson, Andrew Whetzel of Denver, Colo.; and his longtime friend, Kathy Hollingsworth of Roanoke. He was preceded in death by Elizabeth Smith Whetzel. Jim was a member of the greatest generation and a WWII Veteran having served in the US Navy in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1946. He was a salesman for the OHenry Company selling to college bookstores and office supply stores. He was an avid golfer who worked part-time at Countryside Golf Course alongside his longtime friend, Charlie Fry. Jim was a devout Lutheran and held his membership at College Lutheran Church. One of Jims most enjoyable activities was volunteering at Christ Lutherans Aftercare Program. A period of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at College Lutheran Church with Rev. Wynemah Hinlicky officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Virginia Veterans Care Centers Indigent Veterans Fund c/o Patti Smith, Feeding America, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.First Visitation

Wednesday, May 18th, 2016 6:00pm - 8:00pm,

John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home

305 Roanoke Boulevard Salem, Virginia 24153

Service Information

Thursday, May 19th, 2016 2:00pm,

College Lutheran Church

210 South College Avenue Salem, Virginia 24153