James Thomas “Tom” Esham, 85, of Williamstown, West Virginia, formerly of Vanceburg, passed away Monday, June 5, 2017, while on a fishing trip in Canada.
He was born July 17, 1931, at Stricklett, a son of the late Drennon Clarke and Anna Lewis Esham.
Tom was a graduate of Burgin High School in Harrodsburg and the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. He served his country for 35 years in the Army National Guard and retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Tom had a passion for flying helicopters, animals, wood working, fishing and relished his family and the friends he made during his life.
Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Agnes Esham; two children, Todd (Carrie) Esham of Vienna, West Virginia and Cheyenne Autumn (Richard) Tate of Lakehurst, New Jersey; two grandchildren, Richard James “RJ” Tate III and Donovan Clark Tate; one sister, Janice Walden of West Palm Beach, Florida; one sister-in-law, Maxine Esham of Vanceburg; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Gale Esham, three brothers and two sisters.
Services will be at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg, West Virginia, with Patrick Gamp officiating.
A graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Lewis County Memory Gardens in Black Oak.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg, West Virginia, and from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2017, at Dickerson Funeral Home in Vanceburg.
Memorials are suggested to American Legion Post 159, 100 Central Avenue, Williamstown, WV 26187, and Lewis County Animal Shelter, 149 County Drive, Vanceburg, KY 41179.
Condolences may be sent at www.globefc.com.
