All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

‘Betsy’ Lena Louise James

Obituary Betsy James


“Betsy” Lena Louise James, 83, of Buckhannon, W.Va., died Monday, April 1, 2019, at her home.

She was born Sept. 4, 1935, in Queens, W.Va., a daughter of the late Troy L. and Millie Hammonds Zickefoose. On April 29, 1971, she married William “Bill” E. James, who preceded her in death on Sept. 9, 1990.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her grandson, Justin Lemons and her sister, Eleanor “Shorty” Harris.

Surviving are one son, Terry Liggett of Buckhannon; one daughter, Pamela Lemons of Buckhannon; one grandson, Jared Lemons and wife Angela of Morgantown, W.Va.; two granddaughters, Cara Lemons of Manchester, N.H. and Ginger Defibaugh and husband Harold of Buckhannon; one great-grandson, Tristan Defibaugh of Buckhannon; two great-granddaughters, Raegan Lemons of Morgantown and Kendall Defibaugh of Buckhannon; one brother-in-law, James L. Harris and two nephews, James L. Harris, Jr. and Timothy L. Harris.

Mrs. James was a member of the Harmony United Methodist Church in Queens and worked as a teller for the Central National Bank, now Bank One, for over 30 years.

Betsy grew up in Queens and valued the community there; she was always keeping in touch with and connecting with those from Queens. She loved to quilt, garden and was an avid bird watcher; her favorites were cardinals and robins. She also enjoyed vacationing at the beach and visiting Cape Hatteras, N.C. where she would visit lighthouses and pick up seashells.

Above all, Betsy was very passionate about her family and loved spending time with them at family gatherings.

Friends will be received Thursday, April 4, 2019, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Tim Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon, W.Va.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the team at W.Va. Hospice.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is  in charge of the arrangements.  

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

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