James W. Califf Sr., 85, of 204 S. Main St., Philippi, died Thursday, June 20, 2002, at his residence
He was born Aug. 3, 1916, in Barberton, Ohio, a son of the late Jack and Reta Pitts Califf.
He was united in marriage to the former Edith Patricia McCoy, who preceded him in death.
Also surviving are three sons and one daughter-in-law, John A. Califf and wife, Judy, Philippi, David W. Califf, Pennsylvania, and Robert P. Califf, Philippi; and two grandsons, David Califf and Christopher Califf.
He was preceded in death by one son, James W. Califf Jr.
He was raised in Clarksburg and Philippi. He graduated from Philippi High School in 1934, during which time he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended Virginia Military Institute.
He served his country during World War II, serving in the U.S. 5th Army, 938th field artillery, under Gen. Mark Clark during the campaigns in North Africa, Sicily and Italy. He received the Purple Hart for combat wounds while in Italy.
He was employed by McCoy Brothers Inc. and with West Virginia Department of Natural Resources for many years as a reclamation specialist until his retirement in 1985.
He was a member of VFW Post 3560, American Legion Post 29 and BPOE Lodge 308. He was given the honorary award of Kentucky Colonel by the governor of Kentucky.
He loved fishing, hunting and golfing with his friends.
Friends will be received at Wright Funeral Home, 216 N. Walnut St., Philippi, after 6 p.m. Saturday. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home chapel with Robert “Buck” True officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery with American Legion Post 44 conducting military rites.
