James Alan Melkus, age 79 of Mannington, WV passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at his home after a short illness. He was born November 26, 1940 in Beckley, WV a son of the late Joseph and Mary Elizabeth (Hughes) Melkus.
Jim was a 1958 graduate of Washington Irving High School and had retired from Monumental Insurance Company. In the late 70s, he and his wife Becky started and ran the Mannington Teen Center where they mentored many of the young men and women of Mannington. He was a member of the Jaycees and received Honorary State membership. He started the Jaycee Chapters of Christiansburg, VA and Mannington, WV.
Jim was also a member of the Mannington Moose Lodge as well as a life time member of the Mannington Elks Lodge where he served as secretary. He enjoyed his time with his friends at the Elks. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mannington where he served as an Elder and treasurer.
Jim is survived by his wife Rebecca L. Melkus of Mannington; a son, Michael and Terry Melkus and grandson Caleb Melkus of Charleston, SC; grandchildren Matthew and Danielle Melkus and their mother Lori Truitt and his great-grandson Levi, all of North Carolina; a brother, Konrad and Joanne Melkus of Clarksburg, WV; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda and Mike Powers of Mannington, WV. Also all of the special friends that gave their love and support, especially during his illness, Chuck and Paula Wood, Trevor Hurst, and Andy and Susanne Given.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a son, William R. Melkus; grandson, Alex Melkus; and two brothers, Junior and Teddy Melkus.
The family would like to send a special Thank You to Dr. Midhun Malla, Crystal Helse pharm D, and all of the staff at Mary babb Randolph Cancer Center, and all of the staff of Amedysis home health care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the friends of the Mannington Library, or The WV Elks State Mayor Project (camp for special needs campers) or the Elks National Foundation.
Family and friends may call at Masters Funeral Home, Mannington, WV on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 from 2-8:00pm with an Elks service to be held at 7:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 1:00pm. Graveside services will follow at Mannington Memorial Park Cemetery. On-line condolences may be left for the family at www.mastersfuneralhomewv.com or our funeral home facebook page.
Condolences
Praying for you and your family. Bless you my friend. You will be missed by all who knew you.
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was such a great guy.
Becky,you are in our prayers.
He was a great man very nice sorry to hear this
RIP JIM.
He was such a calm man , and so nice to me back in the 70's when I use to hide his Mustang cars on him cause he left his keys in the ignition . And his wife saved my life when i was in a bad car accident . My wife and I will miss and remember him till we pass . Again he was a very good man to me all my life ......so sorry to hear of his passing
My deepest condolences to the Melkus family and dear friends. Wishing you feelings of comfort, moments of peace, and memories of joy during this difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephanie Watson, Charleston SC
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Marion County Senior Citizens.
To The Melkus Family:
It is difficult to tell you how deeply we feel about Jim's untimely death. What started many years ago as a ordinary Jaycee relationship between Jim and us became a warm friendship. It was a privilege to have known him so well, and we will never forget his thoughtfulness and kindness. With great personal sorrow, we ask to share your loss and to extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Ed and Denny
I have never known a more faithful brother. With deepest sympathy.
William Morgan
Jim will be greatly missed. Enjoyed getting to know him through the Jaycees. Condolences to the family.
Becky, Ruth and I want to say how much we appreciate having known Jim and you over the years. The BOTH of you have touched so many lives. We are thinking of you and your family, as well as Konrad and Joanne, at this time. May God give you comfort and His Blessings. Know that because of you all, your community and its people, and many others, have benefited from your outreach, love, and service. "Service to Humanity is the Best Work of Life". With our love, Hoppy and Ruth
I met Jim at First Presbyterian Church in Mannington. He is deeply loved and rightly so.
My condolences to his family of birth and faith.
I am so sorry for your loss; I don't get a paper anymore and did not know Jim had died or I would have come to the funeral. Please know I will be in prayer for you during this time of grief and loss. May your memories help heal you from the pain. Blessings, Judy Shaver.
I only got to know Jim from the Elk's lodge, every night he would come in to the sign the books and a lot
of the time him and I sat and talked. He was a awesome gentleman to have gotten to know. He will be
missed by so many...So sorry to the family for this loss, but always remember the memories.