James Early Wayne Dudding, surrounded by his family, slipped quietly from his earthly home to greet his heavenly Father on July 17, 2026. James had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, so the moment he passed, he went to be with Jesus. No more pain.
James, born January 14, 1937, was the second son of Joe Bern and Mary Margaret Williams Dudding of Waiteville, West VA, who preceded him in death. Also, he was predeceased by brother Ervin Eugene Dudding and wife Reba of Pembroke, VA; Donald C Dudding of Waiteville, West VA; Brother in laws Norman Harris of Covington and Donald Drummond of New Castle, VA; Sister in law: Carolyn Sue Dudding of Narrows, VA; Nephew: Dwayne McPeak of Walkertown, NC.
James is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Betty Fisher Dudding, his beloved children: Daughter Pamela J Dudding and son Richard (CB) W Dudding and wife Laura, both of New Castle, VA. His precious granddaughter, whom he loved dearly, Olivia Brooke (Jonathon) Dudding Slusher of New Castle, VA. Also, his four great grandchildren, who brought him tons of joy: Maeleigh Brooke, Brayden James, Elliana Phonix, and Emmabella Frances Slusher.
James is survived by Brother Joe C Dudding of Narrows, VA; Mary Francis Harris of Covington, VA; Rachel (Howard) Elmore of Covington, Va; Una Lake Drummond of New Castle, VA; Edith (Charles)McPeak of Walkertown, NC; Debra (John) Carter of Roanoke, VA; Clara (Wayne) of Salem, VA.
James came from a large family, so he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews,
James was a simple man who loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and working on the 02 Race car. He put a deer in the freezer every year and vegetables canned from his garden. He also loved playing music and would be at his homeplace in West VA, playing with his dad and Uncle Robert and Claude and his brothers. He also enjoyed playing with Charles and Alvin Brickey and Buddy Garman and some other folks that would stop in to play.
James was a true fighter. He served in the US Army in the 50 and 60s. He battled heart disease in the 90’s, having triple bypass surgery, which was unsuccessful. Then he developed cancer in 2002, and it has been an ongoing battle ever since, first in remission and then popping up somewhere else. So, he has had a long, hard fight.
I do want to thank our Hospice personnel from the bottom of my heart, Donna Mitchel, his nurse and Pam Hinkle, Aide (our little red headed Pam) who took care of him every week.
Also, to Laurie Cooper, who came every week and helped me. We love her like a daughter. And, Brandon Slusher, who I considered my second son. Brandon was wonderful. He would come at a moment’s notice and help me get James off the floor when he would fall or help me move him from room to room. (all he wanted was a glass of Nana tea) Love you big guy.
Rest in peace, sweet husband. You were an outstanding man.
