James Edgar Roark

James Edgar Roark- Please join for the celebration of his eternal life as Jim received a forever "Good Morning" and his wings from the angels in heaven on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. Mr. James "Jim", "Dad" Roark, passed away with his family at his side after enduring the last few chemo treatments that offered a glimmer of hopefulness. Jim's smile was contagious and he was a blessing to those who knew him and must be remembered for his selflessness; in particular his visitations to those sitting in a hospital waiting room while someone special to them was receiving care. He took the time.

Jim marked time till the early 1970's when he was born again through his heavenly father. He saw the sky and started walking. Through his 78 years of life he had his share of tears; though through all the trials, his faith was never shaken. Jim was more afraid of what was in that big old house he was living in when he was young than when death overcame him. At the time of his passing, Jim was a member of Maple Grove Presbyterian Church and a former Deacon of Beaver View Baptist. He loved to fish the area lakes and rivers and to camp in our mountains. It was normal to see Jim working with his garden and going around "chewing" on a cigar stub. Jim worked and provided for his family his entire life and through the ages gained the understanding of how to build a campfire that would warm the souls of all who circled it and the stories he would tell kept everyone in stitches.

Jim resided in Bristol, VA at the time of his death and is survived by his loving wife: Georgia Faye Bowers Roark of 58 years, two daughters, Peggy Harless and husband Junior Harless, and Gaynell Sargent; two sons, Patrick "Hank" Roark and wife Regina Roark, and Gregory Roark and wife Melissa Roark, all of Bristol. He is survived by three brothers, four sisters, eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who thought the world of him. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Anna Roark; infant daughter, Rebecca Roark; one son, James Parker Roark; and one brother Roscoe Roark. Jim also leaves behind a once stray cat "Smokey" that he gave a home and grew to love like a child.

Funeral services for Mr. James Roark will be held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 3, 2012 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Stephen Talbert officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 3, 2012 at the funeral home. Those wishing to attend the committal service are asked to convene at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 4, 2012 at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers are Doug Fleenor, Dolphis Booher, Tucker Roark, Michael Harless, Dennis Roark, Tyrell Ferguson, and Carson Roark. Honorary pallbearers are Brian Roark and Dustin Roark. Donations may be made to St. Jude, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

With a deep sense of gratitude we offer sincere thanks to our children and family who have been so kind to us in the midst of sorrow. Many thanks for your words of kindness, your helpful deeds and acts, your prayers and concerns and the many messages of love and sympathy. A special thanks to Dr. David Thompson, Dr. Jeffrey Levine, Shannon Bywater, and American Home Care.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest book.

The Roark family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street Abingdon, VA 24210