Obituary of Jimmie "Joe, JJ" St. Clair

SFC (Ret.) Jimmie Joe (“Joe or J.J.”) St.Clair

Jimmie Joe St.Clair, 82, of Roanoke, VA passed away on December 5, 2018 at the Salem VA Medical Center Hospice Unit, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was born December 12, 1935 in Pennington Gap, VA and was one of nine children. When he was a small boy, his family moved to Bedford, VA where he grew up.

He served 31 years in the Virginia National Guard and was a loyal and dedicated soldier. He served as Executive Secretary for the Virginia Army/Air National Guard Enlisted Association for 19 years and was a leader for the Association for recruiting and retaining membership. He served as conference coordinator for many State Conferences and enjoyed meeting and greeting his fellow Guardsman. He loved going to National Conferences – which took him to many different states. When he was not doing his Guard work, he loved the beach and going on cruises. He was active in his church, Trinity Lutheran, until his health declined. He was one of the kindest, loyal, honest and dependable men anyone could ever know – and always early for every event. He was gentle and caring for all who knew him and the best stepfather anyone could ask for.

He was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Myrtle Tucker St.Clair; brother, Howard L. (Pee Wee) St.Clair; sisters, Betty Jane Ruff, Emily Comer, Joyce Seymour, Katherine (Kitty) Parker, and Nellie Powell.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elaine H. St.Clair; stepdaughter, Carmen Huffman Hedge; son-in-law, Glen Hedge; brothers, Clarence (“Red”) St.Clair (Cora) and Billy St.Clair. The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to his special friend and caretaker, Lou Robertson. Many thanks go to our special neighbor, Nita Garman for being there and for helping during the last year.  He also leaves his beloved animals, CoCo, Kitty and Morris.

The funeral service will be held at Simpson Funeral Home, Roanoke, Virginia on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at 11:30 a.m., with Rev. Dr. Kenneth P. Lane of Trinity Lutheran Church officiating. Following the service, interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Park, Rocky Mount, with military honors. Visitation will be on Friday, from 6-8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church, Angels of Assisi Foundation, or Roanoke Valley SPCA. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Hospice Unit at the Salem VA Medical Center for their care and comfort in the last days of life.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.simpsonfuneral.com. Arrangements handled by Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707.