James William Esh

James was born on March 23, 1951, in Gulfport, MS, the son of the late Joseph and Ruth Weaver Esh.

James was a beloved brother to his sisters, Myrliss Demastus of Lancaster, PA, Crystal Hatter and husband Dean of Lyndhurst, VA, Janet Campbell of Stuarts Draft, VA and Kay Manchester and husband James of Waynesboro, VA.

He was a cherished uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

James had a lifelong challenge of mental illness and yet always rose above any diagnosis to ultimately demonstrate his sweet, loving and good humored personality. James treasured his “family support” as he called it and loved telling everyone the name his favorite sister which changed to fit his mood. His family always appreciated his tales of past memories, his never ending request to look at his recently received cards, and his orders for his favorite foods. James reminded us frequently that his faith in God was strong and he enjoyed celebrating his “spiritual birthday” each year on April 21. His favorite Bible verse was Philippians 4:8.

James graduated from Wilson Memorial High School in Fishersville, VA as part of the class of 1969 and was a member of Mountain View Mennonite Church.

The family extends a deep thank you to Luke and Esther Campbell and Randy and Sharon Kiser who visited him faithfully over the years. Also, gratitude is given to the many health care professionals who supported him in many ways.

It will be a privilege to honor James at a Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at Mountain View Mennonite campground pavilion, 55 Love Road, Lyndhurst, Va. A meal will be served at 12:30 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to Mountain View Mennonite Church, P.O. Bo 208, Lyndhurst, VA 22952.

The Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com