James Edward Poage, 76, of Covington, Virginia, departed this life on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem.

He was born October 13, 1935 in Covington, son of the late Edgar and Ina Morgan Poage.

Mr. Poage served with the United States Navy aboard the destroyer USS Haynesworth.

He was employed by Hammond -Mitchell Inc. General Contractors.

He enjoyed working on classic cars and loved going on rides and entering his cars in area car shows. Mr. Poage was of the Presbyterian Faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Poage and Tommy Poage, and a great grandson, Ethan Dressler.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 51 years, Jeanette Graham Poage of Covington; one daughter, Ina Mae Clonche of Covington and one son, Richard Poage of Roanoke; two grandsons, Benjamin Dressler and his wife, Carrie of Covington, and James Richard Poage of Roanoke; two great grandchildren, Skylar Dressler and Eli Dressler; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Arritt Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Bill Kelly officiating.

The interment will be made in Alleghany Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Arritt Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be Benny Poage, Mike Terry, Jimmy OÕConner, Calvin Phillips, Billy Joe Phillips and Dale Bratton, Jr.