James Howard West, age 73, of Wellston, passed away Friday, May 8, 2020, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 18, 1947 in Jackson County, Ohio to the late Harold Leroy West and Helen Irene Bartlett West.
Following graduation from high school, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Lance Corporal during the Vietnam War, of which he was very proud. Upon his return from Vietnam, Jim began working for the Clark County Humane Society in Springfield, from where he retired as their Chief Dog Warden following 30 years of service. Jim then retired to Bradenton, Florida, where he resided for 10 years before returning home to Wellston. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed spending countless hours researching his family’s genealogy.
He is survived by his sisters, Barbara Ferryman of Springfield and Peggy Stratton of Bradenton, Florida; sisters-in-law, Linda West of Dayton and Nellie West Tourney of Springfield; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins, including special cousins, Linda Rinehart and Barbara Hale, both of Wellston.
Beside his parents, Jim was preceded in death by sister, Betty West; brothers, Bill West, David West and Larry DeWitt; and several aunts and uncles.
Private funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston with Pastor John Pelletier officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Live streaming of the funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. on the McWilliams Funeral Home Facebook page. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com