James Alvin West, Jr.'s Obituary
James A. West, Jr. - “Joe”, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016 at the age of 93. He was two years shy of reaching his goal of being retired at least as long as he worked. He retired from the telephone company in 1982 after 36 years.
Joe was born on March 25, 1923 to James A. West, Sr. and Clara Wilkins West of Georgetown. He was the oldest of three children. He told many stories of his fond memories working as a young boy in the family grocery store in Kimmey Town.
Joe served in the Navy as part of the Armed Guard gun crew during World War II. After coming home from the Navy, he met his future wife Hazel “Jean” West who came to town as a telephone operator on loan from upstate. She was supposed to stay a few weeks, but Joe swept her off her feet. They married in 1946 and had three daughters.
Joe was a lifetime member of the Georgetown Fire Company, a Georgetown Councilman, and a Georgetown Police Commissioner. He enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, fishing, wood working, playing the banjo, and making homemade knives and fishing poles. He was very proud of his huge garden and was pretty sure he grew the best Lima beans on the Eastern Shore.
Joe was predeceased by his wife Jean of 63 years in 2010 and his daughter Carol W. Collins in 2014. He was also predeceased by his parents and his brother Harold L. West who died serving his country in World War II.
Joe is survived by his two daughters, Bonnie W. Shea and her husband Gary, and Patti W. Payne and her husband George “Mickey”. He is also survived by his grandchildren Judi Spencer, Jo Ann Evans, Ami Rae, Tommy Clendaniel, Joey Payne, and Ashley Payne Crockett and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Joe is also survived by his sister Ina W. Cordrey and his brother-in-law Joseph Vattilana, Sr.
Services and burial are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 7 S. King St., Georgetown, DE, 19947.
Please sign Mr. West's online guestbook located on this site.
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