Obituary of James Thomas Fox

James Thomas (Jimmy) Fox, 84, of Roanoke passed away peacefully on Monday, January 9, 2017. Jimmy was born on July 18, 1932, a son of the late Charles W. Sr. and Melba Fishback Fox. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Geraldine Fox, Carolyn Hoover, and Dorothy Mottesheard, and his brother, Billy Fox. Surviving are his niece Tracy Hoover Fox who he raised from birth and loved, spoiled and adored; a nephew, Jason Kern and wife Tiffany of Tampa, Fla; niece, Amber Kern and her children, Kamen Kern-Paxton and Wonder Carter of Roanoke as well as other nieces, nephews and many close friends. Jimmy graduated from Jefferson High School but became a die hard William Fleming fan, supporting the Colonels and making long lasting friendships along the way.Jimmy loved life and the people that he met. He was a along time salesman at Davidson's Men's Store downtown for 43 years. He loved to travel and enjoyed the bus trips he took and the many people he met and touched along the way. He never met a stranger. After retiring from Davidson's he was a known icon around the Roanoke City Market working for a time at Sam's on the market and then enjoying his life in Grandin Village with the nickname "The Mayor of Grandin Village". Those who travel the Valley Metro for sure will miss him along with the many caregivers at Lewis Gale who took such good care of him. He could be found with a bag of cupcakes and a kind word for all. Jimmy touched many lives cheering on William Fleming High School sports, supporting and cheering on his niece Amber with AAU Roanoke STARS and Northside girls basketball where he was known as "Uncle Jimmy". We all remember the refs showing Uncle Jimmy the door in his bright purple coat when he got a bit out of hand in cheering on his team. He had a passion for people and that is how he lived his life. Passionate, loving and caring to all. A celebration of Jimmy's life will be held 3 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2017 at Wildhurst Presbyterian Church 134 Wildhurst Avenue with Pastor Bruce Roginson officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Jimmy's favorite charity The Muscular Dystrophy Association. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory 366-0707 "Jimmy touched many people along his life journey and will be missed greatly by his friends and family."