The Shadow
James Ray Lemons
James Ray Lemons, 76, of Lewisburg went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital as a result of sudden illness. He was born on April 4, 1950, in Galax, Virginia and was the son of the late Robert Lee and Ada Williams Lemons. Jim regularly attended the New Covenant Church of God.
He was drafted into service and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict serving his country proudly. Jim loved all animals but was especially fond of his dogs. He was a long-distance runner, having started running later in his late 30’s and 40’s he was proud to finish a half marathon. He was a familiar frequent face running on the Greenbrier River Trail. He was a manager at Kroger in Covington, later working
until retirement as a machinist at Westrock Covington.
Jim was a very funny man. He thoroughly enjoyed making other people laugh and have fun. Those who knew him know this as his best times. Above all, he spent every minute possible with his wife and sons. Being a grandpa to his grandkids was the biggest accomplishment in his life. Even in death he served others by being an organ donor.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by brothers Don Lemons, John “Bo” Lemons, and James “Larry” Lemons.
Those left to cherish the laughter, love, and memories are his wife Joetta; sons Justin (Rylee) Goins and Brian (Kaylee) Goins; brothers Terry (Linda) Lemons, Tony (Alice) Lemons, Robert W. (Brenda) Lemons, Frank Lemons; sisters Pam (Tom) House, Pat (Tommy) Walker; grandson Hunter Goins; granddaughter Isabelle Goins; many nieces nephews and special friends.
Military graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 1:00pm at the Richardson Family Cemetery on Forren Mountain Road, Crawley, West Virginia with Pastor Keith Rasnick officiating. Honors by the United States Army Color Guard.
The staff and directors of Alderson Funeral Services and Smathers Funeral Chapel are honored to have been entrusted to care for Jim and his family during this sudden and unexpected loss.
Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.smathersfuneralchapelinc.com
