James Henry "Jim" Caruthers

James Henry Caruthers, 72 a life-long resident of Poca, passed away, Wednesday March 28, 2018 and into the gates of Heaven. He was born on August 11, 1945 to James Henry and Josephine Della "Teeny" Legg Caruthers. Jim is survived by his adoring wife, Kim Blair; son, Jonathan Caruthers, Warrant Officer with the USMC stationed in Beaufort, SC and his partner, Jillianne Sprague. He is also survived by his other sons, Jeffrey Blair, Esq and his wife, Dr. Amy Schultz of Scott Depot, and Brian Blair and partner Desi Andrews of Parkersburg. Jim is also survived by his mother-in-law, Lillian Nasca of Niagara Falls, NY as well as numerous cousins, in-laws, special friends and numerous pets, including his Pygmy goats, Basset Hounds, cats, and his beloved Mini-Pin, Penny. Anyone that knew "Sweat", knew he was the life of the party. His personality was bigger than life itself. Many a child learned how to fish at Caruthers' Pond. He will be sorely missed by many. After graduating from Poca High School in 1963, Jim attended Concord College. In 1966 he was drafted into the US Army and proudly and honorably served his country in Vietnam. Upon Discharge, he returned to his company, Putnam Fabrication. He was also employed by Terradon Corp. and WV Steel. However, it wasn't long before Jim found his true calling, Politics! Ever the Public Servant, he was elected to three terms as Putnam County Commissioner. During those eighteen years, he took great pride in serving his community. He was also elected Mayor of Poca & Councilman. In 2001, Jim was appointed by Gov. Bob Wise to serve on the WV Statewide Addressing & Mapping Board. In addition to serving on numerous other committees and boards, he was most proud to have initiated the Putnam Co. Transportation Committee, which is still in function to this date. Jim was a current member of the Central WV Regional Airport and the Putnam County Republican Executive Committee. He was also a member of the Nitro Moose, and a life member of the VFW, Post 9097, Hurricane. While recognized and winning numerous awards for his public service, in 2008, Jim was selected for the PF Tucker Award by the Regional Intergovernmental Council. He was also most proud in 2011 to receive the Mayo Lester Community Service Award bestowed upon him by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and in 2015, he was presented with the Distinguished West Virginian Award by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. The family would like to give a special thank you to Kanawha HospiceCare, especially Kim and Agnes. A visitation and celebration of his life will be held from 6-9pm on Thursday March 29, 2018, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. A memorial service will be held at 11am Friday March 30, 2018 at Poca United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Mason officiating. Burial with military honors will immediately follow at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Institute. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Two Fish, Five Loaves Food Pantry in Poca, or to the American Cancer Society. You may share memories of Jim on his tribute page by visiting ChapmanFuneralHomes.com Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane is honored to serve the family of James Henry Caruthers.