James Vincent Ferguson

James Vincent Ferguson, 87, of Huddleston, VA (Mariner’s Landing) passed away on the morning of December 8. Born on August 3, 1924, to the late Vincent James and Bridget McGrath Ferguson in Tinton Falls, NJ, he was a graduate of Red Bank High School. He enlisted in the US Navy and served on a minesweeper in the Aleutian Islands. At the conclusion of the war, he remained on his ship to train Russian sailors under the Lend Lease Program. Upon his honorable discharge he went to work for New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. and remained with them assuming a variety of positions eventually serving as a Plant Service Supervisor, Central Office, in Mercer County, NJ and a District Manager. Predeceased by his beloved wife, Doris (DD) Layton Ferguson, he is survived by his children Michael (Carol,) Patricia (Michael,) Barbara (Salvatore,) and Robert (Kathleen,) grandchildren Kerry, Deni (Patrick,) Ali (Ryan,) Lyssa, Kevin (Alison,) JP, Kaitlin, Declan, Christin (Dave), Joel, Dave and great-grandchildren Arjuna, Jake, Sadie and Nick. Mr. Ferguson was a devoted husband and father and loyal friend to many. As stated by one of his grandchildren’s friends, "Ever since I met him, I knew he was what I wanted to be when I grew up."  A wake service will be held at Resurrection Catholic Church, Moneta at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2011. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 16, 2011 at Resurrection Catholic Church with Father Salvador Añonuevo celebrating.  In lieu of flowers donations may made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Lake Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 695, Moneta, VA 24121.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360. www.burch-messier.com