James Wallace (J. W.) Persinger, Jr., age 81, of 4716 McKinney Hollow Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia, died Monday, August 25, 2014 at LewisGale Hospital - Alleghany in Low Moor.

He was born October 22, 1932 in Clifton Forge to the late James Wallace Persinger, Sr. and Elizabeth Matthews Persinger.

He served in the United States Navy and the Virginia National Guard, and was a track superintendent for CSX Transportation, before retiring at the age of 42.

He was a member of Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Wood Persinger; three sons, Kevin Persinger and wife, Neva, Greg Persinger and wife, Stephanie, and Jeff Persinger and wife, Mary Carol; and four grandchildren, Ben Persinger, Ethan Persinger, Rachel Persinger and Maggie May Persinger, all of Clifton Forge; as well as a special aunt, Annie Matthews Lemke of Ruskin, FL.

A graveside funeral service was held on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. in Central Advent Christian Cemetery, Clifton Forge with Reverend Paul Brokaw officiating. Interment followed. There was no formal visitation.

The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church, 544 Church Street, Clifton Forge; and in lieu of gifts of food for the family, please donate food items to the local food pantry.

The Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is in charge of arrangements.