James Barry Echols, age 72, of Salem, Va., went to be with the Lord on November 5, 2024. He was born on August 15, 1952, to the late, James H. “Pete” Echols and Virginia Irene Flint Echols. Barry was a hardworking, talented, honest, and simple man. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a daughter, Tabatha Sue Echols.
Barry is survived by his daughter, Connie Michelle Echols; stepdaughters, Vicky Abbott and Anita McGuire; former wife, Wanda Echols; three grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Renee Baldwin and husband, Richard, Pat Morrison and husband, Philip; nieces and nephews, Greg Baldwin, Kevin Baldwin, Traci Rose and Husband, Mike, Sandy Sage and husband, Aaron, Chris Morrison and wife, Tracey, Michael Morrison and wife, Lindsey; and other extended family members; and special friends, Bob Hale, Tom Brewer, and Richard Huffman.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem.
Friends may visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
