James
James R. “Jim” Melton
James Ray "Jim" Melton, 58, of Bedford died unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 while vacationing in Belize, Central America. He was born in Bedford on May 11, 1953, son of Ethlyn Holmes Graves "Patsy" Melton who survives and the late George Henry Melton. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Page Melton.
Jim owned and operated Rapid Printing and Office Supplies in Bedford since the death of his father in 1981. He had attended Hampden-Sydney College where he was a member of SAE. He was a lifetime member of Main Street United Methodist Church where he served on numerous boards and committees and never missed a Sunday service.
Jim will be remembered for his infectious smile, strength of character, and firm moral compass setting a high standard for others to follow. He was selfless of his health issues and always gave one hundred percent to life's challenges and adventures. Jim was a man's man and spent countless hours outdoors hunting and fishing.
Jim was dedicated to his faith, his family, and his friends. His children were his pride and joy and his grandson was the apple of his eye.
Jim was a past President of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Bedford Life Saving Crew and a member of the Bedford Rotary Club for over 35 years where he had been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International's highest award.
A former board member of the Bedford Area YMCA and a regular member of "the morning exercise crew" there, Jim knew the importance of healthy living and diligently worked to maintain the strength of his heart.
For fellowship, Jim was a member the Bedford Moose Lodge, the Blue Ridge Chitterling Club, the Ponderosa Club, a Charter Member of the Parker-Whorley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, and was a Charter Member of the Bedford Elks Lodge #2844.
In addition to his mother, Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marsha Updike Melton; three children, Elizabeth Melton Brown and her husband, Roger of Bedford, Captain G. Benjamin Melton, U. S. Army Special Forces, Fort Campbell, KY and Thomas L. Melton of New York City; his brother, Steve Melton and his wife, Karen of Roanoke; his grandson, Alexander Holland Brown and his father-in-law, Holmes "Puddin" Updike of Bedford.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2011 at Main Street United Methodist Church, 212 East Main St, Bedford, VA with The Rev. Les Trail and The Rev. Dr. Carl H. Douglass, Jr. officiating. A reception to celebrate Jim's life will follow the funeral at Historic Avenel, 413 Avenel Avenue, Bedford, VA.
Those wishing to make memorials are asked to consider Bedford Elks Lodge #2844 Building Fund, P. O. Box 112, Bedford, VA 24523 or the Bedford Community Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1104, Bedford, VA 24523.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.
Jim owned and operated Rapid Printing and Office Supplies in Bedford since the death of his father in 1981. He had attended Hampden-Sydney College where he was a member of SAE. He was a lifetime member of Main Street United Methodist Church where he served on numerous boards and committees and never missed a Sunday service.
Jim will be remembered for his infectious smile, strength of character, and firm moral compass setting a high standard for others to follow. He was selfless of his health issues and always gave one hundred percent to life's challenges and adventures. Jim was a man's man and spent countless hours outdoors hunting and fishing.
Jim was dedicated to his faith, his family, and his friends. His children were his pride and joy and his grandson was the apple of his eye.
Jim was a past President of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Bedford Life Saving Crew and a member of the Bedford Rotary Club for over 35 years where he had been recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International's highest award.
A former board member of the Bedford Area YMCA and a regular member of "the morning exercise crew" there, Jim knew the importance of healthy living and diligently worked to maintain the strength of his heart.
For fellowship, Jim was a member the Bedford Moose Lodge, the Blue Ridge Chitterling Club, the Ponderosa Club, a Charter Member of the Parker-Whorley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, and was a Charter Member of the Bedford Elks Lodge #2844.
In addition to his mother, Jim is survived by his wife of 35 years, Marsha Updike Melton; three children, Elizabeth Melton Brown and her husband, Roger of Bedford, Captain G. Benjamin Melton, U. S. Army Special Forces, Fort Campbell, KY and Thomas L. Melton of New York City; his brother, Steve Melton and his wife, Karen of Roanoke; his grandson, Alexander Holland Brown and his father-in-law, Holmes "Puddin" Updike of Bedford.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2011 at Main Street United Methodist Church, 212 East Main St, Bedford, VA with The Rev. Les Trail and The Rev. Dr. Carl H. Douglass, Jr. officiating. A reception to celebrate Jim's life will follow the funeral at Historic Avenel, 413 Avenel Avenue, Bedford, VA.
Those wishing to make memorials are asked to consider Bedford Elks Lodge #2844 Building Fund, P. O. Box 112, Bedford, VA 24523 or the Bedford Community Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1104, Bedford, VA 24523.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, 540-586-3443.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James R. “Jim” Melton, please visit our flower store.
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