James’ Obituary James Mason Lillibridge February 2, 1930 – February 11, 2019 James Mason Lillibridge, 89, was reunited with his loving wife of 61 years, Peggy, on February 11, 2019. Jim was a lifelong resident of the Charleston area and retired from Libby Owens Ford glass plant. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary Russell, and his parents, Mason and Madge (Harris) Lillibridge.
Jim enjoyed gardening and giving fresh vegetables to his family, friends, and neighbors. He started his plants in the house, often while it was still snowing outside, so that he could get the first tomatoes of the season. When the weather was mild, he walked every day.
He would say, “If I don’t get up and move around, I won’t be able to get up and move around”. He had his regular spots where he rested and neighbors would come out to chat with him. Jim looked forward to the annual fishing trip to Michigan.
Whether they caught fish or not, they had a good time and ate well. He used to tell people that they were an eating club that also liked to fish. He was a wonderful and respected man who put his family first.
Family was mom and dad’s number one priority. Mom’s goal for the children was that they have a college education. She was successful.
Dad’s goal was that all the children have a home of their own. He was successful. Jim was valued for his expertise in home construction and repair.
He was a hard worker and was always willing to help family and friends. He could do so many things and he could fix anything. He built 4 houses for his family from hand-digging the footers to shingling the roof.
He could lay brick. Pour concrete. Fix plumbing.
Wire lights and outlets. Install showers, tubs, carpet, drywall, and tile. He taught us how to build and make repairs.
And he always finished the job. He was a faithful husband, loving dad, and pawpaw that will hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew him. Jim was so good to his family.
He will be missed. As well as his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Rosemary Russell, and his parents, Mason and Madge (Harris) Lillibridge. Survived by and honoring his legacy are his sister, Norma Jean Tawney of Florida; his three children, son James Michael Lillibridge (Gloria), and daughters Jean Ann Hively, and Tenna Kay Bell (Michael); grandchildren, Christa Lillibridge Kenney (John), Jessica Lillibridge Armstrong (Cameron), James Michael Lillibridge II, Robert Hively (Janie Castle), Ann Hively Ferrell (John), James Hively, Kathryn Bell, and Kelly Bell; great-grandchildren Robert Kenney, Sara Armstrong, and Noah Armstrong.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
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