James “Jim” Richard Ross, 72, of Ona, West Virginia, passed from this life to glory August 28, 2025, at home under Hospice of Huntington care. He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy Ross and Hazel Cremeans Ross Shirkey, and his older brother, Percy Dewain Ross. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Joyce Caldwell Ross, son Benjamin Ross, daughter Bethany Ross, sister-in-law Janet “Jackie” Ross, nephew Paul Ross (Leesa), father-in-law Gene Caldwell, sisters-in-law Susan McComas (Tom), Mary Gene Beheler Burdick (Michael), nephews Tom Beheler, Philip Beheler, nieces Erin Carter (Chris), Jenna McComas, great niece Keeley Carter, great nephew Thomas Drew “T.D.” Carter, and a host of extended family members and loved ones. Jim was a 1970 graduate of Milton High School, where he played drums in the Greyhound Marching Band. He was employed by the Cabell County Circuit Clerk’s office for 32 years, primarily as Court Clerk for Judge Dan O’Hanlon, then serving as Executive Assistant to Judge Alfred Ferguson for three years. He loved all kinds of music. For several decades he played drums for many gospel groups, including the Timesmen, New Song Revival, New Journey, Fudge Creek, and Forgiven. He was a long-time member of Beulah Ann Baptist Church, where he was a retired Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and drummer. Jim had a friendly, welcoming personality and quite a sense of humor. He remained a kid at heart, enjoying comic books and superhero and other sci-fi collection items. He loved reading books, studying the Bible, and trips to the beaches of North Carolina. He was a well-loved person with countless friends and is already sorely missed. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the funeral service starting at 1 p.m., at Beulah Ann Missionary Baptist Church on Howell’s Mill Road in Ona, and burial at White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Barboursville. Special thanks to the wonderful medical staff of St. Mary’s Medical Center, Marshall Health Network, and Valley Health Network for caring for him through the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice that supports the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wallace Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
