James Kenneth Ferguson 1946-2021 Obituary
James Kenneth Ferguson (Lurch), 74, a resident of Elkins, passed away Thursday morning surrounded by his daughters. Lurch had been in declining health but his passing was unexpected.
Lurch was born Dec. 27, 1946, in Elkins, the son of the late Havard Kenneth Ferguson and Peggy Lucille Stalnaker Ferguson. His sister, Eleanor Lee Ferguson Copeman, also preceded him in death.
Lurch leaves behind his two daughters, Brandi R. Hutton and Jamie L. Ferguson of Elkins; along with one grandson, Ayden M. Simmons; and three granddaughters, Tori A. Simmons, Hailee J. Watson and Aubree R. Watson.
Lurch graduated from Elkins High School in 1966, where he played basketball, football and wrestled. He served his country in the Army from 1966 to 1968 in the Field Artillery. After leaving the military he began working for the Power Company and soon became a lead lineman and retired from that position after 37 years of service.
He was a member of the West Virginia Highlanders, the American Legion and a social member of the VFW.
He was a man of faith and attended church regularly. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He also enjoyed bowling and was quite the pool shark.
His daughters meant the world to him but his true passion was his grandchildren. Anyone who knew Lurch knows what a kind, gentle soul he was and that he would do anything he could to help friends and family out.
He also loved to pick and have a good time. He will be missed greatly by all that knew and loved him.
Even in death he wanted to do his part to advance science and decided to donate his body to WVU in hopes that something can be learned from him to aid in the study of Parkinson’s disease. Lurch spent many years learning to live with and manage his symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.
At this time, the family will not be holding any type of service but ask that those wanting to make a contribution do so to the Parkinson’s disease research funds listed below in memory of Lurch.
National Parkinson Foundation, Inc. 1501 N. W. 9th Ave., Miami, FL 33136
The American Parkinson Disease Association
1250 Hylan Blvd Suite 4B, Staten Island, NY 1030
Parkinson’s Disease Foundation – 710 West 168th Street. New York, NY 10032-9982
James Kenneth Ferguson 1946-2021 Obituary
