James Oliver Pettrey Jr. “Jim”, 78, of Prichard, WV, went to be with the Lord on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 2022 in Princeton, WV while visiting his sister Jerlene Harvey. He was surrounded by his five children, his two daughters-in-law, his grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.
Jim was born in Princeton, WV. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Bonnie Lou Pettrey of Prichard, his parents James Oliver Pettrey Sr. and Sybil Pettrey of Princeton, his son-in-law Timothy D. Doss of Fort Gay, and his great-grandson Aidan M. White of Kenova, WV, and a special friend “Little Buddy Sonny” of Prichard.
Jim was a giving, loving and devoted family man. Sadly, he is leaving behind a host of loved ones. He was a devoted brother to Jerlene Harvey of Princeton, WV, a loving father of five: Theresa A. Shepard of Prichard, Susie (the late Timothy) Doss of Fort Gay, Larry (Pearline) Shepard of Prichard, Lawton (Kelly) Shepard of Georgetown, KY, and Marie Mathis of Prichard.
Jim was a dedicated grandfather of 13: Cynthia (Philip) Smiley, Rebecca (William) White, Stephen (Aubrey) Shepard, Natashia (Brian) Ramey, Amanda (Shane) Fitzpatrick, Katie Newsome, Holly (Dustin) Walls, C.J. (Brooke) Shepard, Timothy (Candice) Doss, John Shepard, Tristan Shepard, Kristian Maynard, and Nathan Shepard.
Jim was blessed with 26 great grandchildren that he adored; two very special nieces, Tammy Lucas and Denise Calhoun of Huntington, WV, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that thought the world of him. Jim is also leaving behind some very special friends: Chic Thompson of Fort Gay, Libby Shaffer and Billy Lester of Princeton and a son-in-law David Mathis of Kenova.
Jim was a graduate of Athens High School, received his BS from Concord College and was a graduate student at Marshall University. He was the chief supervising chemical engineer at AK Steel (Catlettsburg) until he retired and became a consultant for Fosbel until 2016.
Jim was a very caring, devoted family man, funny, smart, yet a humble man. He missed his wife more than words can express, and after 19 years, he is finally reunited with Bonnie.
Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to become a daddy. There was never a grander man on earth, or a better father. We love you dad, more than we can ever express. Thank you for choosing us. We will miss you always. Love your family.
Visitation will be Monday, November 28, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Young Funeral Home Chapel in Louisa, KY.
Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Young Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Darin Fetherolf officiating. Jim will be laid to rest at Spring Valley Cemetery beside his cherished wife Bonnie.
Young Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Mr. Pettrey and his family.
