James A. Rich Jr.

James Archie Rich, Jr. of 453 Pine Lake Road passed away Monday, January 9, 2017. Born March 5, 1926, he was the son of the late J. Arch Rich, Sr. and Dollie F. Rich. James graduated from Schoolfield High School then joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and proudly served his country as a waist gunner in World War II as part of the 8th Air Force, 96th Bomb Group. On October 25, 1947, he married Dollie Ann McCubbins, who predeceased him. Together, they had four children, all of whom survive him: James Rich III (Ginny), Debbie R. Smoak, Wade Rich (Brenda), and Laurie R. Taylor (Allen). He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Kellie Smoak Wyatt, Kimberly Rich, Paige Rich Moore, Ashley Rich, Lauren Rich Miller, Allen Rich, Carley Taylor, and Morgan Taylor, and nine great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law Betty M. Galloway (Richard), numerous nieces and nephews, and his constant canine companion BJ. During his life, James served as the first fire marshall for Pittsylvania County and the training director of the Danville Life Saving Crew. He was also a 1st Lieutenant in the National Guard, where he worked as a training officer. He was president and later regional governor of the Sertoma Club, where he received the Distinguished Governor’s Award. He served on the board of directors for the Faith Home and the Hatcher Center, and was the choir director for Forest Lawn Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, Shermont Baptist Church, Vandola Baptist Church, and Kentuck Baptist Church. He was a faithful member of Woodlawn Baptist Church for 29 years, where he had been a deacon, chairman of deacons, chairman of the benevolent committee, Sunday school teacher, and Bible study leader. James served on the board of directors for two local businesses, Danville Welding and Virginia Heating, and was president and CEO of Rich Industrial Supply, J.A. Welding Supply, and Home Oxygen and Medical Equipment. Visitation will be Thursday, January 12th, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel. At all other times, the family will receive visitors at 453 Pine Lake Road. The funeral will be Friday, January 13th, at 2:00 PM, at Woodlawn Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Rick Markham and Rev. Seth Lackey. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens with Military Honors. Memorials can be made to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force at www.mightyeighth.org. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is serving the Rich family.

James A. Rich Jr.

March 5, 1926 - January 9, 2017