James Edgar Kessel, 71, of Clendenin, West Virginia, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
He was born September 7, 1954, a son of the late Harley Edgar Kessel, Sr. And Thelma Louise Yeatman Kessel.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sister Wilda Mae March Steele.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sherri Casto Kessel; son Shawn Kessel (Tangie); daughter Marie Abbott (Bobby); brother Harley Edgar Kessel, Jr.; sisters Janice Yeatman Hicks, Monita Lawrence, Myra Stevens and Melissa Boggs; grandchildren Shawn (Stephan) Kessel, II, Chasity Miller, Zachary Kessel, Kyle Kessel, Zoey Combow, Hailey Hawk, Ceiara Abbott, and Sarah Abbott; great-grandchildren Ayden Mitchell, Charleigh Hawk, Avery Mitchell, Daisy Kessel, Kinsley Hawk, Lillian Miller, Jack Kessel, and Oliver Hamilton.
He worked for AirGas for over 30 years. Jim was a member of Falling Rock Gospel Tabernacle Church. He was a wonderful Christian man who loved the Lord with all his heart. He loved studying and teaching God’s word and taught Sunday school for several years. He was a kind man and always called everyone “Sweetie”. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his special gift for teaching. He loved his wife and family very much, especially his dog Mickey. He will truly be missed by everyone.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Falling Rock Gospel Tabernacle, with Pastor Tim Harper officiating. Online condolences can be shared with the Kessel family at www.stumpfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are in the care of Stump-Matics Funeral Home, 8539 Elk River Road North, Clendenin, West Virginia 25045.
