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

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis, age 39, of Rock Cave, died Thursday, September 25, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Weston, WV on November 5, 1985, a son of Darren Wade Nethken and Norma Lee Hovis Nethken, who survive at Rock Cave.

Also surviving are one daughter Willow Rose Parker of Buckhannon; two sisters: Rosalyn Marrie Freeman and husband Jonathan of Selbyville and Norma Ann “Annie” Hovis of Rock Cave; maternal grandmother Wanda L. Hovis of Champion, OH; two uncles: Charles Hovis and wife Tracey of Ohio and Steve Hovis of Jane Lew; two aunts Shelia Culver and Dan of Walkersville and Peggy Hovis; one nephew Waylon Rain Freeman; special cousins: Jon Nethken and Samantha Ryan, Bridgette Nethken, and Justin “Cecil” Robinson; and several more cousins and friends by the bushel.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Willis Hovis of Champion, OH, uncle John David Hovis of Buckhannon, and paternal grandmother Wanda Nethken of Canaan, WV.

Jimmy was a talented tattoo artist and an electrician by trade, but loved construction, especially stonework. He enjoyed spending time outdoors: camping, hunting, fishing, and swimming in the river.

The body will be cremated. A celebration of life may be held at a later date.

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