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

James “Jim” Grant Warner

James “Jim” Grant Warner, 85, of Buckhannon, W.Va., died Friday, March 20, 2020, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 28, 1934, in Buckhannon, a son of the late Ray and Irene Smith Warner.

On September 20, 1953, he married Elouise Reese who survives.

Also surviving are: one daughter, Sandra K. Wright and husband Curt of Panama City, Fla.;  three sons, Russell W. Warner and wife Renee of Buckhannon, Dr. James G. Warner, Jr. and wife Robin of Lynchburg, Va., and Rodney W. Warner and wife Debbie of Newberry, Fla.; five granddaughters, Brittany Conover and husband Ryan of Buckhannon, Caitlin Warner of Charlottesville, Va., Courtney Warner of Buckhannon, Megan Warner of Va., and Alexis Dennison of Fla.; three grandsons, Gary Cope and wife Ginger of Va., Michael Warner of N.C., and Phillip Warner and wife Victoria of Canada; four great-granddaughters, Kiralym Conover of Buckhannon, Haley Warner of Canada, Emma Dennison of Fla. and Scarlet Lyke of Fla.; five great-grandsons, Nicholas Cope, Elliot Cope, and William Cope of Va., Grant Warner of Canada, and Matthew Lyke of Fla.; and three brothers, Willie Warner and wife Betty of Va., Leroy Warner and wife Sue of Buckhannon, and Ed Warner of Buckhannon.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Katherine Tenney, Virginia Rhodes, and Betty Hyre; an infant brother, Ray Warner, and his brother-in-law, John Hyre.

In 1952, Mr. Warner was the state ping pong champion and received a scholarship, for ping pong, to attend Glennville State. He dropped out of college when his parents died in order to help care for his siblings.

In 1954 he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in a variety of locations including, Iceland, Japan, Australia, Louisiana, Oklahoma and North Carolina. He spent one tour of his duty in Vietnam and worked for the military newspaper The Stars and Stripes as a combat journalist. He had the pleasure of covering the 1964 Olympics in Japan for The Stars and Stripes.

Mr. Warner retired from the military as a Senior Master Sergeant, earning the following medals: Unit Commendation Medal, Commendation Medal with Three Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with One Device, Vietnam Campaign Medal and The Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Gallantry Cross Medal.

Upon returning to Buckhannon, Mr. Warner became a mentor to many sports writers and photographers through the years. He provided sports coverage for every sport in Upshur County from 1975 until December 2019, covering everything from baseball to marbles – if kids were involved, Jim was covering it.

He also served as the W.Va. American Legion Baseball Commissioner for several years and coached American Legion baseball in the late 70s and 80s, taking one of those teams to the finals of the state championship.

Jim loved his family and enjoyed squirrel hunting. Above all, he adored his grandchildren and spoiled them all. They turned him from a rough Air Force Master Sergeant to a soft grandpa who played with Barbies.

A private family service and burial will be held with a public celebration of life happening at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the WVWC baseball or softball teams. Donations can be sent to: WV Wesleyan College, Advancement Office, 59 College Avenue, Buckhannon, WV, 26201 (in the memo line of the check please designate baseball or softball IMO Jim Warner).

wOnline 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.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.