Obituaries

Mr. James West

James Dawson West, 94, of Vidalia, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on December 19, 2021. Visitation was from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 22 at the Vidalia First Baptist Church Worship Center, followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Don Moye officiated, assisted by Scott Morrison. Private family burial followed at the Lakeview Cemetery. James was born in Milledgeville, Georgia, to Vivian and Howard West on January 4, 1927. He married Helen Mills on Sep tember 14, 1945, a few months after having joined the United States Army. Following their wedding, James was sent to Italy to support the WWII European war campaign. He completed his tour and was honorably discharged in 1947.

Upon returning from WWII, James went to work selling shoes in Macon, Georgia. After gaining sales experience, he went to work in 1951 for the Belk-Matthews Company as shoe department manager in Milledgeville, Georgia. From there he quickly rose to assistant store manager and was transferred to head up the Vidalia Belk-Matthews store as Manager in 1958. After over four decades of successful and dedicated service, he retired in 1992 and continued to reside in Vidalia.

James was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Vidalia and proudly served in several positions such as adult Sunday School facilitator, Church Treasurer, and President of the Men’s Bible Class. While working and raising his family, James participated in numerous civic organizations. He was President of the Lion’s Club, President of the Vidalia Jaycees, a member of the Toombs County School Board, Chairman of the American Red Cross, President of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the Vidalia Zoning Committee and the Vidalia Development Authority. He was honored by the Vidalia Kiwanis Club as the Citizen of the year in 1975. During their many happy years in Vidalia, James and Helen both loved to relax playing golf. As members of the Vidalia Country Club, each won numerous local tournaments, both as individuals as well as a couple. James even once scored a holein- one on the ninth hole! They often enjoyed traveling on golf weekends with close friends. James also enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking. Many family members cherish handmade items from his woodworking shop. James loved family above all. He is preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Helen; three brothers, Ralph, Son, and Binion; and three sisters, Ruth, Martha, and Alice. James is survived by his three children, Don (Linda), Nadine (Jerry), and Gloria; six grandchildren, Marnie (Mike), Jason (Nicole), James (Sara), Jessica (Andrew), Jeremy (Brook), and Kayce; and 15 greatgrandchildren.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to First Baptist Church of Vidalia; Wounded Warriors; Vidalia Community Hospice; or the charity of your choice. The West family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to James and Helen’s loving caregivers of the last several years, Pricilla Costen, Debbie Middleton, and Brenda Wiggs.

Condolences may be sent online at www.roberts- stewartfuneralhome. com.

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