In Memory

James Sledd

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James Duerward Sledd, 74, of Daleville, Virginia, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, April 24, 2017.

Jim was born January 16, 1943 in Roanoke, Va and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1962 where he was well known for not only his athletic abilities in basketball, baseball, and football but in his academic prowess, which earned him a football scholarship to the University of Virginia. He was the starting center for the Cavaliers and an integral member of the athletics program until his graduation in 1966 with a B.S.in Education.

He turned his passions for the game and his love of education immediately to Albemarle High School, where he continued to coach and counsel, while raising a family and pursuing a M.Ed. in Leadership from UVa in 1968.  Jim’s passions, other than his family and the Hoos’ was his true belief in the education of our youth and he put those beliefs into action with a long career in education.  He had a lasting impact on all those he came to know and deeply impacted not only the thousands of students in his charge but the many teachers and administrators he mentored. He served in many capacities as coach, athletic director, teacher and adminstration. He lent his abilities to better the lives of children in elementary, middle, and at the high school level as well.

His career began in Charlottesville and Albemarle county but later in Bedford and Botetourt county. He is well known for being principal at Lord Botetourt High School for 13 years. He moved up to the supervisory level at the School Board office and served at James River High School as a special assignment for one year. He is remembered fondly by all that worked with him and continued to get together with "The Greenwood Gang" from Greenwood Elementary in Crozet at Christmas and summer picnics.

Jim was happiest soaking up the sun on a beach with a good book.The family has many fond memories of vacations at Kure Beach, NC. He and Karen enjoyed their annual vacations in Hollywood, Florida as well. He not only had leisure time at the beach but believed in teaching others about good stewardship of the ocean and coastal environments as he chaperoned the marine biology class to VIERS in the Virgin Islands annually.

 Jim was a true 'Hoo' cheering for his Cavaliers and attending UVa athletic events.He loved to cheer for his New York Yankees baseball team also.

Family was of primary importance to Jim and despite distances loved to visit especially his adult children and delighted in his grandchildren.  

Jim is survived by his wife Karen Paysour Sledd (1991-2017); his children, Jim (Paula) Sledd, Bob (Jill) Sledd, and Cindy (Paul) Orange, whom he shared with former spouse Rebecca Mabe; step children Heather (Jess) Sarver-Mullan, Tony Sarver, and Robert (Charlotte) Sarver; siblings Bob (Joan) Sledd, Margaret Rakes, Mary Sledd, Marilyn (Tom) Underwood, and Carol (Warren) Jones;  sister-n-laws Patsy Sledd and Phyllis Sledd; grandchildren Jimmy, Jackson, Trey, Jay, Sam, Bobby, Abbey, Drew, Sydney, Ava, Delaney, and step grandchildren Lilly and Tabitha; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.

Jim’s family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 p.m., at Oakey's East Chapel, 5188 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke.  A celebration of life service will be held at 10 am, Thursday at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 19 Cedar Ridge Drive, Daleville, VA 24083 with  Rev. Rob Lough and Rev. Doug Paysour officiating. Burial will follow at Sherwood Cemetery in Salem.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a charitable donation in Jim’s honor to the Botetourt Education Foundation (Botetourt County Public Schools; Education Foundation, Inc.; 143 Poor Farm Road; Fincastle, Virginia 24090) or to  St. Mark United Methodist Church (http://www.stmarksmethodist.com/#/online-giving)

Online condolences may be sent to www.oakeys.com

 

Submitted by Butch Johnstone.