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

Jim “JR” Harrison

Jim “JR” Harrison passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Florabelle Harrison; brothers, Roger and Reggie; and his beloved wife of 51 years, Marlene.

He is survived by his children: Lisa (Joe) Trujillo of Chandler, AZ; Angela (Bill Clevenger) Wolverton of Buckhannon, WV; Jamey Harrison of Chandler, AZ; Rodney (Allison) Harrison of Youngsville, LA; Jim Harrison Jr. of Seattle, WA; Jeri Harrison of Silver City, NM; and Jay Harrison of Texas. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Roger) Bailey of Rogers, AR; 14 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, whom he adored.

Born December 6, 1937, in Stafford County, Kansas, Jim was the eldest of four children raised on the family farm. He graduated from Stafford Senior High School in 1955, where he excelled in football, and later attended Kansas University in Lawrence, KS. Jim built a successful 50-year career in the oil and gas industry as a manager and consultant, a profession that brought him and Marlene to Buckhannon in 1969.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, water skiing, snowmobiling and camping. He was passionate about horses, competing in barrel and pole racing events and hosting horse shows on the family property. He was also a member of the Upshur County Horseman’s Association.

Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated and laid to rest with Marlene.

Friends will be received for a memorial gathering on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Poling St. Clair Funeral Home, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Ed Lowther.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home Health and Hospice at WVU Medicine.

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.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Buckhannon Community Theatre honors Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston with 2025 Knorr Award

Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston, an early pioneer of Buckhannon Community Theatre who has starred in productions and served on the board of directors, received the 2025 Knorr Award.

Leadership Upshur dives into healthcare and public safety during December session

The December Leadership Upshur session offered participants a close look at the people, systems and teamwork that keep the community safe and healthy, with visits to Community Care of West Virginia, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Buckhannon Public Safety Complex.

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa, 92, of Old Elkins Road died December 10, 2025; she is survived by husband Howard “Frank” Baxa, three children, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and extended family, with services at Heavner and Cutright.

Basketball ‘Cats tumble to Point Park, 90-66

Point Park’s hot perimeter shooting and a dominant second half sank WVWC 90-66, with the Pioneers hitting 15 threes and capitalizing on turnovers while Wesleyan’s Isaiah Baker and Stephen Ovia fought inside.

Dandridge scores 30 as Wesleyan women down Point Park, 83-58

Freshman Kilah Dandridge scored 30 points as West Virginia Wesleyan shot 53% and dominated a 29‑point third quarter to beat Point Park 83-58, paced by Ana Young (18) and Emma Witt (15).

Webster Springs man arrested on strangulation charge after allegedly spitting on and choking victim

Police arrested a man on a felony strangulation charge after he allegedly admitted to spitting on, slapping and choking another person, according to a criminal complaint.

Volga man arrested after threatening officer at Upshur County Courthouse

A 59-year-old Volga man was arrested after allegedly threatening a deputy during processing at the Upshur County Courthouse following a DUI stop. He faces charges including DUI, possession of marijuana and retaliation against a public official; bail is $19,500.

WVWC’s first Master’s in Counseling students set to graduate

WVWC marks a milestone Friday as the first six graduates of its new Master of Arts in Counseling program cross the stage, bolstering West Virginia’s mental health workforce.

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney, 90, a retired oil and gas supply worker, Air Force veteran, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather from Fairmont and formerly of Buckhannon, died December 9, 2025.

West Virginia Board of Education approves Rock Cave Elementary closure

The West Virginia Board of Education approved the closure of Rock Cave Elementary School on Wednesday, ending months of community efforts to save the southern Upshur County school. The closure was one of several school consolidations approved across the state.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital opens mental health program for older adults

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has partnered with Senior Life Solutions to help older adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges often associated with aging.

Basketball ‘Cats fall on the road to Pitt-Johnston, 113-84

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — West Virginia Wesleyan put five players in double figures and shot a solid 41% from the field,…