James “Jim” Phillip Slusher, Sr., 76, of Radford, passed away at his home surrounded by his family Saturday, June 22, 2024. He was a Class of ’65 graduate of Radford High School where he was an outstanding athlete and defensive end who was selected to represent the State of Virginia in the Virginia-West Virginia All-Star Football Game. He was a graduate of New River Community College and completed his four-year electrician apprenticeship at Lynchburg Foundry. Over the years he was employed with AT&T, Volvo, and retired as maintenance manager at the VA Western Regional Jail.
He was a longtime member of Grace Episcopal Church where he served as Jr. Warden for many years, taking care of the buildings and grounds and upgrading the facilities.
In his youth, Jim was a guitarist for “Little Dave and the Chancellors,” a local band loved by the area teenagers. Music, especially bluegrass, was always a part of his life. He never met a stranger, was humble, kind, quick-witted, and so very proud of his growing family. He adored his wife, three children, and nine grandchildren, excitedly waiting for grand #10 in October. He worked hard to provide for his family and only missed five days in a 58-year career! A gentle giant and funny dad to his children’s friends.
He loved his church family, fishing, golf, and, most of all, playing with and teasing his grandchildren. A master electrician who could fix anything and was always willing to help someone else.
Jim fought major illnesses for the last five years, but never complained and always said, “Some folks are in worse shape than I am.” He will be greatly missed by all who loved him!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake C. and Frances T. Slusher; and brother, Jake R. Slusher.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Lee Jordan Slusher; daughters, Beth Slusher Davis (Bobby) of Radford, and Dr. Jennifer Slusher (Annie) of Roanoke; son, James P. Slusher, Jr., P.E. (Kim) of Charlotte, N.C.; granddaughters, Lauren Shifflett (John) of Radford, Haley Davis (Daniel) of Dandridge, Tenn., Livie Harvey-Slusher of Roanoke, Rae Harvey-Slusher of Roanoke, Jordan Harvey-Slusher of Roanoke, Maggie Slusher of Charlotte, N. C., and Allie Slusher of Charlotte, N. C.; great grandsons, Clayton Shifflett and Cooper Tweed; sister-in-law, Julie Slusher of Roanoke; nephew, Richie Slusher; and many other relatives and friends.
The family received friends Friday, June 28 at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 11 a.m. today, Saturday, June 29 at Grace Episcopal Church in Radford with Rev. William Yagel officiating. A reception will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Jim’s memory to Grace Episcopal Church, Fourth Street, Radford, VA 24141.
The Slusher family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
