Obituary of James L. Gleaves, Jr.

James L. Gleaves, Jr., of Wytheville, VA, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2019. He was born in Wytheville, VA, on January 8, 1924, to the late J. Lucian and Morton Sudduth Gleaves. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by his brother, Samuel King Gleaves; sister, Dorothy Gleaves Hawkins and a daughter, Leissa Ann Gleaves. A 1941 graduate of Wytheville High School, Gleaves was attending the Citadel in Charleston, S.C., when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served stateside and with the 23rd Fighter Control Squadron in the China-Burma-India Theatre for the remainder of World War II. Honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1946, he married Dorothy Vernon of Wytheville, VA., and enjoyed a 57 year marriage until her death in 2004. A 1948 graduate of the University of Virginia, Gleaves continued his education at UVA receiving his law degree in 1951. He was a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1951 through 1953 serving in their Philadelphia and Newark offices. Returning to Wytheville in 1953, Gleaves practiced law as an individual and with firms of Woods and Gleaves, Woods, Gleaves, Bird & Boyd and Gleaves, Kaase and Chitwood until his retirement in 1991. Gleaves was appointed to the Wytheville Town Counsel from 1994-1996.

A director of the Wythe County National Bank for 20 Years, he also served as Chairman of its Board. While attending the Wytheville Presbyterian Church he became a Deacon, Elder, Treasurer and teacher, he is survived by his children James L. “Luke” Gleaves, IV (Carla), of Radford, VA; Lynn Gleaves Nelson of Asheville, NC; Eric V. Gleaves (Renee) of Wytheville, VA; grandchildren, Ashley Nelson Richards (Kyle), John R. “Jake” Nelson, Aaron F. Gleaves (Mallory) and Samuel R. Gleaves; step-grandson, Wesley T. Lange.

A memorial service will be held 7 P.M. Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Wytheville Presbyterian Church conducted by The Reverend Edwin Lacy. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5 P.M. until service time. A private graveside service will be held by his immediate family at West End Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Wytheville Presbyterian Church, 285 Church St. Wytheville, VA 24382 or Presbyterian Children’s Home the Highlands, Inc., 425 Grayson Road, Wytheville, VA 24382. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.