James E. West

James E. “Jim” West, 49, of Dover, went to be with the Lord on April 4, 2002, at Akron General Medical Center, Akron, following injuries sustained in a February 11 tractor-trailer accident.Born, in Dennison, he is the son of Clara (Myers) West, of New Philadelphia, and the late George West. Jim attended Claymont High School, and then joined the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and served in the Vietnam War. He was a truck driver for Bob Morrison and then for Mast Trucking in Millersburg. Prior to that, he worked for Click Burial Vault, where he earned his CB handle “Grave Digger.” Jim was a lifetime member of the New Philadelphia VFW Post # 1445, and a member of the Church of the Living God also in New Philadelphia. He was a lighting specialist for the band Country Fried, and was an avid Jeff Gordon fan. Jim also loved to laugh and had a zest for life.Surviving is his wife Mary Jane (Shahan) West, of the home, whom he married September 17, 1994; brother, Robert A. West of Deland, Florida; niece, Brenda West of Dover; nephew, Robert West, Jr. of Glenwood, Florida; mother and father-in-law, John and Mary Rohn of Baltic; best friend, Donny Beamer; and a spoiled rotten dog, Boomer.He was preceded in death by a brother, Leroy West.Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 8, 2002, at 10:30 AM at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home, New Philadelphia, with Pastor Bob Jones officiating and Nelson Miller also speaking. There will be a gathering of family and friends that will follow the service at the Church of the Living God. Calling hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Sunday, April 7, 2002, at the funeral home. To sign the online guest book and express condolences please visit the funeral home website. Memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Living God, 1440 5th Street, New Philadelphia, Ohio, 44663.