James Ernest Stidham Sr. age 73, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Bristol Regional Medical Center.  He was born in 1942 to Ernest and Opal Stidham

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Gaye Stidham; four children, James (Jimmy) Stidham Jr. of Clintwood, VA, Rhonda Cox of Bristol TN, Lisa Stidham of Clintwood VA, and Michael Stidham and wife Angie of Clintwood, VA; three loving granddaughters, Tasha Cox, Kayla Deel, and Rhylee Stidham which God sent to us as a special gift.  She Kept James going and fighting for life; one brother, Gearld Stidham of Whitesburg, KY; he is also survived by three brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

We will honor James going to his heavenly home at 11:00 AM Sunday, July 3, 2016 at Dyers Chapel Church with Darrell Milgrim and Lynn Vanover officiating. Burial will follow in the Pressley Place Cemetery Sutherland Ridge Road.  Pallbearers will be nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Sutherland, Allen Sutherland, Clyde Hill, Scott Stanley, and Lee Sutherland.  Visitation will be held beginning at 5:00 PM Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Dyers Chapel church with a Masonic service at 7:00 with song service following.

James would not want anyone mourning for him, but rejoicing with him that he is now with his Heavenly Father.