Harry Roscoe James, 84

Harry Roscoe James, 84, of West Portsmouth died Sunday, July 25, 2005 at his residence. Harry was born April 15, 1921 in Plain City, Ohio to the late Jesse Wilbur and Anna Aileen Wheeler James. Harry was of the Protestant Faith; a member of the Carpenter's Union 437 for 56 years and received the Gold Hammer for 50 years of membership and a Gold Watch for 55 years of membership. He worked as a carpenter, became Project Manager and then Vice President of C.A. Yeager Construction Company; worked seven years with Sister Hilary on various projects at Mercy Hospital including the Chapel. Harry was a 32nd Degree Mason, member of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and was Past Master of Nauvoo Lodge 769. He also served as Dad advisor of Burr Chapter Order Of DeMolay, and received the DeMolay Cross of Honor. He was Instrumental in building Dr. Singleton Park, with one of the fields named in his honor. He was manager of the EUB Baseball team for many years. Harry was a Kentucky Colonel, and received the West Portsmouth Businessmen's Club "Citizen of the Year Award" in 1964. He was a WWII Army Veteran serving in the Pacific Theater with the 617th Army Engineers and was a Member of Post 471 American Legion.

Harry is survived by his wife of 58 years Wilma Crum James who he married June 28, 1947 at Second Presbyterian Church. He is also survived by three sons, Harry R. "Skip" James, Jr. of Indianapolis, IN, Steven (Kelly) James of Minford, Carl James of Fairfield, CA; a daughter, Cynthia (James) Cookson of Portsmouth; two brothers, Max R. James of Charlotte NC, David H. James of Piketon; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jessica, and Rachel James of Minford, Kristin Cookson of Portsmouth, Sam James of Indianapolis, IN, Mitchell (Susan) Maxwell and Marty Maxwell of Chyenne, WY. He was preceded in death by a brother, Samuel James and two sisters; Maxine James Frye and Grace James Reid.

Funeral Services will be held 1 P.M. Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home with Reverend Stanley Webster and Dr. Wayne Young officiating and interment in Scioto Burial Park with Graveside Military Rites by James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. Masonic Rites by Nauvoo Lodge 769 will be held at 8 P.M. Tuesday.
Friends may call at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth from 4 to 8 P.M. on Tuesday and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Ohio, Elevator Fund at Second Presbyterian Church and the Scholarship Fund of Nauvoo Lodge 769. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.