James Wray Sink

Jim passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, February 16, 2018 with family by his side. Surviving him, are his loving wife Edith of 66 years, and their three children: daughter’s Susan (Christiansburg, VA), Leigh Anne (Roanoke, VA), son, James Sink, Jr. (Salisbury, NC) and four grandchildren, Lisa, Curtis, Leslie and Kemper. Also surviving includes his 98-year-old brother Joseph Sink. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Della Sink and brother, Carl, all from Rocky Mount.

Jim was born and raised in Rocky Mount, VA. He grew up working alongside his brothers and father on their family farm. After finishing high school, he attended Virginia Tech until 1943 when he joined the Infantry division of the Army for World War II. Jim served our country holding many leadership ranks including First Lieutenant in the Ninth Reinforcement Depot and Ground Force Center. With service in the European Theatre, he received numerous medals and awards including the Brave Service Star, Commendation Medal, and Victory Medal. After the war ended, he returned to Virginia Tech and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Dairy Husbandry in 1949.

Upon completion of his education. Jim started his career with Southern Dairy’s in Birmingham, Alabama. There he met his wife Edith and after marriage was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta, his father died and the couple moved home to the family farm in Rocky Mount where he joined a new position with the United States Department of Agriculture, Commonwealth of Virginia, as Dairy Inspector for Franklin County. He retired from this position in 1989 but continued to operate his family farm and construction business.

Jim was very active in the community in which he lived, raised his family, and worked. Among his many civic duties, he served on the board of supervisors for Franklin County, Chamber of Commerce, and Mason’s. Over the years, he was a kind philanthropist to many local organizations, his alma mater, and particularly his church, as well as always supporting those in need from the local community and church family.

Jim and his family attended Sandy Ridge Baptist Church where he was a long-time member, leader, and servant.
Actively participating in church life, his construction team built the parsonage and oversaw the management of the church renovation and new sanctuary. He served for many years as a Deacon, Treasurer, Building Committee Chair, Planning Committee Chair, Pulpit Committee Chair and Sunday School teacher, all focusing on growing and developing his family church. Jim was one of the churches greatest benefactors over the years.

Jim possessed a charming sense of humor, was known for wearing “groovy ties”, was an avid golfer, and loved his family and many friends. His strong work ethic, sense of duty, and respect for his fellow man formed guideposts for him and his entire family through life.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 19 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Sandy Ridge Baptist Church. The Memorial Service will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, February 20, also at Sandy Ridge Baptist Church with the Reverend Joe Dillon officiating. Interment will be held at Angle Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. All arrangements have been provided by Flora Funeral Service, Rocky Mount.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Sandy Ridge Baptist Church, 1444 Bonbrook Mill Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151.

The family expresses sincere gratitude to the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Franklin Memorial Hospital, and Flora Funeral Service for their excellent attention and care.