James S. Godsey

Bluefield, WV – James Scharwood Godsey, 88 of Bluefield, WV passed away Thursday November 5, 2015 with family by his side. He was born on January 31, 1927 in Bluefield, WV to the late Ruth Irene Roberson Johnson and Earnest Godsey. . He was married to the late India Lucille Godsey. James was a lifelong resident of Bluefield. He graduated from Beaver High School in 1945. He enlisted in the Navy and took his training at The Great Lakes Naval Academy. He was deployed in California where he shipped out on the USS Hancock during World War II. He was a Bomb Technician for the aircraft and fueler. James was knocked from the ship when it was hit. He was one of the survivors and later returned to the ship. His ship docked two days after Japan was bombed. He remembered the horrible tragedy. The USS Hancock was in five major battles. James has several medals and awards from his Naval Years. He was an engineer for N & W Railroad and worked for 55 years. After retirement, he was an avid golfer with several championships to his credit. He was a lifelong athlete. He will be missed by many friends and wonderful neighbors. James is survived by his brother, Dr. Ralph Godsey and wife Brenda of Crewe, VA; his only daughter, Barbara Blankenship and husband David O. Blankenship of Bluefield, VA; three grandchildren, Ronnie Neal England, Jr. of Raleigh, NC, Jamie Grimm of Cross City, FL, and Kimberly Annis of Tallahassee, FL; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson. The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home on Sunday November 8, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday November 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. from the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Hersey officiating. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery where Ronnie Neal England, Jr., Chris Pedigo, Jimmy Evans, Billy Perry, David Shields, John Masandrea, Brandon David Blankenship and David Cardwell will serve as pallbearers. Military graveside rites will be provided by the Mercer County Veteran’s Honor Guard. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. James Scharwood Godsey.

James S. Godsey

January 31, 1927 - November 5, 2015