James William Foley

James William “Puddin” Foley, 86, of Bassett, VA. passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024. He was born in Patrick County July 17, 1937 to John Roosevelt “Rose” Foley and Irene Massey Foley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Lloyd, Lester and Jim Foley. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Violet Foley; his sons, J.T. Foley and John Foley (Deb); granddaughter Ann Taylor Brown (Jared); grandson, Nick Foley (Emily); sisters, Christine Elgin, Madge Bryant, Crystal Scott, Violet Spraker (Don), Margaret Burnett, Bonnie Stanfield and Erma Jean Puckett; and his longtime friend and hunting partner, Gale Dodson. Puddin grew up in the Elamsville area of Patrick County and worked alongside his brothers helping their father in the family logging business. He later ran his own logging business with the help of his son, John, until he retired. He was a hard worker who had a great love and appreciation for the outdoors. Much like his brothers, he excelled in hunting, fishing, trapping and shooting. Puddin also enjoyed gardening, helping J.T. at Snow Creek Nursery and playing corn hole. Puddin was a very dedicated member of Bassett Church of Brethren where he taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. He loved string music and looked forward to singing gospel music with his friends at Hardees Restaurant in Stanleytown. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Collins Funeral Home and will be officiated by Pastor Rick Randall. There will be no formal visitation because of concerns related to the increasing cases of COVID and the Flu. The public may view between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 10, 2023. A private burial will follow. The family is very appreciative of the time their neighbor, Tim Richards and caregiver, Pat Doer spent with Puddin. The family also extends their appreciation to Dr. Waite and all of the wonderful staff associated with Mt. Valley Hospice and the Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, N.C. during Puddin’s brief stay there. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care, 240 Commonwealth Blvd. West, Suite 602 B, Martinsville, VA 24112. Collins Funeral Home, Bassett, Va. is serving the family.