Obituary of James G. Lobb
James G. "Jim" Lobb, 68, of Kingwood, longtime Preston County Funeral Director, died early Sunday morning, December 15, 2024 at WVU Medicine - JW Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
He was born August 25, 1956 in Richwood, WV, and was a son of the late Edward James and Christine Virginia (Wamsley) Lobb. The family moved to Kingwood two weeks following his birth.
Jim graduated from Kingwood High School, Class of 1975. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Administration, and his Master's Degree from West Virginia University. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 1990 where he served as President of Class 100.
In 1988, he purchased the former Kiger-Williams Funeral Home in Kingwood. In 1997 he opened the James G. Lobb Funeral Home in Reedsville. The following year, he purchased the Taylor Funeral Home in Newburg. Finally in 2004, he and his partner purchased the Davidson-Mancinelli Funeral Home in Morgantown. In May of 1999, they purchased the former Preston Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kingwood, and changed the name to Sunset Memorial Gardens. Finally in April of 2022, Jim retired after selling the business with over 35 years of service to Kingwood and the surrounding communities.
Jim was a member of the Catholic Church of Preston County, attending St. Edward Church in Terra Alta where served as a Lector. He was a member and past President of the Kingwood Lions Club, and the Rotary Club of Kingwood. He was presently serving on the Executive Board of the Preston County Economic Board. He served for many years as the recorder for the city of Kingwood, and was elected Mayor serving from 2007-2013. He was also presently the Chair of the City of Kingwood Planning Commission.
Jim is survived by his partner, A. Craig Rotruck of Kingwood; his brother, Thomas E. Lobb and his wife Cookie of Kingwood; his sister, Julia L. Hare of Morgantown; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, a sister, Pamela L. Peddicord preceded him in death.
Friends may join the family to honor Jim's life and legacy at St. Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, 322 E. Main St. Kingwood on Saturday, December 21st from 10:00 AM until the time of the celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Father Dominic Athishu will celebrate the Mass. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Jim's memory to the Preston County Humane Society, PO Box 395, Kingwood, WV 26537.
Compassionate professional services are being provided to the family jointly by Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover, and Field Funeral Home of Masontown.
Condolences and other gifts of comfort may be offered to the family at www.smithfcc.com, or www.fieldfuneralhome.com.
