James L. Gifford, a faithful servant, 84, of Buckhannon, WV, entered into the permanent presence of the Lord on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with his loving wife of 63 years by his side. He was born June 17, 1942, a son of the late Lester and Geraldine Koon Gifford. On October 5, 1963, he married Wilma Jean Tenney, who survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Angela Gifford Nethken and husband Mark, Jamie Gifford II and wife Sondra, and Kimberly Gifford Perrine and husband Richard; his #2 son, Jimmy Gifford; four grandchildren, Ashley Reynolds and husband Andrew, Mackenzie Gifford, Neva Perrine, and Nicholas Perrine; two great-grandchildren, Paisley and Walker Reynolds; two brothers, Ronald Lee Gifford and wife Lenora, and Stephen Harold Gifford and wife Rochelle; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert “Dude” Gifford and Larry Gene Gifford; his in-laws, Chick and Opal Tenney; and his son-in-law, Danny Daugherty.
Jim was a pastor of 40 years and founder of The Church of The Living God. He devoted his life to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ wherever he was. He served as the national and WV chairman of Peoples Full Gospel Mission Conference and past president of the Upshur County Ministerial Association.
He loved hunting, golfing, and antique cars. He cofounded the WV Classic Wheels Car Club, served as president for many years, and worked diligently to secure funds for several community organizations. His favorite activities included traveling near and far to car shows. You could find him the happiest behind the wheel of his ’69 Chevelle or at his Hemlock Camp with family and friends.
Jim was also the owner and operator of Giffords Construction for over 20 years. He loved to build and run heavy equipment. Jim was a husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and faithful friend, and he will be missed by many.
Friends will be received Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 28, 2026, at 11 a.m. at The Church of The Living God, with Pastor Jamie Gifford II officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olive Cemetery in Hemlock, WV. Those wishing to process to the church, please meet at the funeral home no later than 9:15 a.m. on Monday, September 28.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
