James Lewis Page

August 29, 1932 – October 6, 2015Surrounded by his family, James Lewis Page passed away Tuesday evening, October 6, 2015. Jim, a lifelong resident of Vienna, W.Va. was born on August 29, 1932 to Budd and Audna Cooper Page, the youngest of eight children. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1950 and immediately began two pursuits that forever changed his life. First, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in the Korean Conflict – a path that continues even to this present-day with friendships and reunions with his fellow servicemen that were part of his VP-28 squadron. And secondly, he continued to use his very best persuasive skills to convince his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Jean Hurst, that she was the love of his life and his best friend.He ultimately prevailed, and on March 22, 1953 Jim and Bonnie were married and continually increased in love during their 62-year marriage. As Jim liked to jokingly say, “I married a woman who had four kids by her first marriage”, failing to mention they were his as well. His children were Mike Page (Diane) of Peoria, Il., Steve Page (Colleen) of Tucson, Az., Cindy Ferraris (Dane) of Parkersburg, W.Va. and David Page (Karen) of Vienna, W.Va. – each and together considered his proudest accomplishment.He attended Marietta College and developed his scientific mind and love of chemistry into a 30-year career as a laboratory chemist at Chevron in Marietta.But his other interests were numerous and varied. Jim was an expert craftsman in woodworking, creating beautiful pieces he freely shared with friends. As a totally committed WVU fan, week-ends would often find him in Morgantown cheering for the Mountaineers. And he was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church and attended Wesley UMC in Vienna, where he grew in faith and served the Lord.Upon retirement, Jim and Bonnie developed a lust for travel that took them to exciting places in Europe, South America, and the Caribbean, as well as many venues in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. But their favorite times were those spent with their 10 grandchildren, Jason Page, Chris Page, Amber Schupp, Daniel Page, Matthew Page, Sara Elizabeth Page, Patrick Page, Colby Ferraris, Eric Ferraris, and Margo Belcher and nine great-grandchildren, Ben Page, Amelia Page, Callen Page, Connor Page, Dylan Page, Moses Shafer, Lilah Belcher, Aftyn Ferraris, and Greyson Ferraris.In addition to parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Bob and June and his five sisters, Helen, Betty, Hazel, Ruth and Thelma.He was a strong man, yet meek and humble at the same time. With his truly infectious grin and magnetic personality, he would brighten the day for everyone he saw. “Jim” to his friends, “Dad” and “Granddad” to his family, and “Jimmy” to only one (his love, Bonnie) – he will be missed by all.Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2015 at the Wesley United Methodist Church with Pastor Carolyn Nettles officiating. Interment will follow at the Evergreen North Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 3005 Grand Central Ave., Vienna and one hour prior to the services Saturday at the church. James' family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, medical and hospice staff, who provided his wonderful care and comfort.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 497 21st Street, Vienna, W.Va. 26105 or to the Wood County Humane Society, 530 29th Street, Parkersburg, W.Va. 26101, in memory of James.