Obituaries

James Harden Stone Jr., 69, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, North Carolina. Born on July 13, 1955, in Martinsville, Virginia, he was the eldest son of the late James H. Stone Sr. and Billie Jacqueline Stone (Hairston).

James was married to Gwendolyn Tyree (Noel Stone) from 8/31/1974-1997 and was blessed with one child, Sherri Stone Jenkins to their union.

James was a proud graduate of Martinsville High School, Class of 1973. Over the course of his life, he worked in a variety of professions, showcasing his hard work and dedication. He began his career in retail, working for local grocery stores such as Franks Food Fair and Big Star. James then transitioned to the pest control industry, serving with Terminix and Orkin, before finding a long-term role as a Chemical Operator with PPG Industries. Most recently, he worked with Finney Landscaping Services in Martinsville, where he was known for his reliable work ethic and commitment to quality.

James was a man of simple pleasures, who loved spending time with family and friends. He was particularly fond of gardening, and his knowledge of plants and landscaping was a passion he enjoyed sharing with others. He also enjoyed watching football and he was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed cooking and baking for others, playing and watching golf, listening to music, going to concerts and watching his favorite movies and westerns. His hardworking nature and dedication to those he cared about will be remembered by all who knew him.

James was predeceased by his parents, James H. Stone, Sr. of Martinsville, VA, Billie Jacqueline Stone and brother, C. Nathaniel Stone, both of Columbus, OH and Desmond Myles Jenkins of Raleigh, NC. He is survived by his loving family to include his only child, daughter--Sherri Stone Jenkins of Raleigh, NC, granddaughter--Amber Sierra Jenkins of Raleigh, NC, sisters-- Cynthia Stone of Columbus, OH, Stephanie Spencer (Ron) of Richmond, VA, and brothers--John Gregory Stone (Anke) of Heidelberg, Germany and Nachor S. Stone (Tia) of Martinsville, VA. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Hairston Funeral Home on Nov. 30, 2024, from 1:00—3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the American Diabetes Association.

James’s legacy of hard work, kindness, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.