Jimmie Lee Staats
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Jimmie Lee Staats, 78, of Sandyville lost his long courageous battle with Alzheimer's on October 24, 2021, at the Stonerise Nursing Home in Parkersburg. He was surrounded by his family and in Jim Staats fashion that we all know and love, he fought to his last breath.
Jim was born on December 19, 1942 in Parkersburg to the late Orland and Dorothy Dragoo Staats and grew up on Copperfork Road in Sandyville.
At a young age Jim knew the value of a hard day's work. He worked on the dairy farm of Charles Gorrell until he left Jackson County at the age of 16 to work at Anchors Fencing in Virginia as a foreman. From there he worked at Carl E. Smith Pipeline until gaining employment at Murray Sheet Metal in Parkersburg. Jim worked at Murray's until his retirement in 2003. He was a member of the Sheetmetal Workers Union Local 33.
Jim was honest, nonjudgemental, hardworking, an animal lover and kind soul who could build anything he set his mind to. He was full of life and always laughing. He never met a stranger and has shown his kindness to many strangers over and over during his lifetime. He would always be there for anyone in a time of need no matter how large or small the project or problem was. He had a love of people and it showed. Jim loved his family and always put them first in his life.
Jim enjoyed the outdoors, watching his birds and being around animals. He especially loved rabbit hunting with his buddies. He liked to participate in gun shoots and being on or around anything that had wheels. Tractors were his love, which he passed his passion for onto his son Terry.
In addition to his parents Jim was preceded in death by his brothers Glen, Orland "Bud", John and Lowell Staats; sister Opal Blankenship, Cathy Pursley and Hazel Staats. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law Betsy Conrad Staats and son-in-law Jerry Yates.
Jim is survived by his wife and soulmate of 55 years, Sharon Pickens Staats; daughter Tereasa and husband Todd Southall; son Terry and wife Stephanie Easter Staats; Aunt Evelyn Dragoo; brothers and sister in laws, a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
Throughout life Jim was blessed with many friends, but Jimmie Price and the Wells boys were not only friends but brothers. Although not related by blood, these boys grew together as men and formed bonds that will never be broken.
Fly high Dad and we all know as soon as you hit those pearly gates you were met by your precious hunting dog, Sally and off you two went on that great rabbit hunt in the sky.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and huge thanks to the doctors and staff of the Stonerise Nursing Home for their caring hearts and love they gave during Dad's stay and passing.
In lieu of flowers the family would request any donations be given to the Alzheimer's Association or charity of your choice.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastor Bud McVey officiating. Visitation will be form 12 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the Independence Cemetery, Sandyville. Online memories and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com