James Barbour Seamster, Sr., of 68 Old Farm Road, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning,
September 5, 2010, his adoring wife, as always, beside him. He had been a patient at Duke Medical Center,
Durham, NC for five months.
Born July 28,1936, in Danville, VA, he was the son of the late Paul and Janie Barbour Seamster. He grew up
In Schoolfield and was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jeanne Boswell Seamster, for 56 years.
James was a star athlete in football, baseball, and basketball at G. W. High School and was named Athlete of the Year
In 1954. He graduated from Fishburne Military Academy in 1955. He coached football, basketball, and baseball at
Schoolfield Recreation Center for many years and was highly regarded as a mentor and friend.
James was predeceased by two beloved sons, James B. Seamster, Jr. and John Paul Seamster. He was also the
Proud father of Kimberly Seamster of Mocksvile, NC, Betsy Seamster Clay, Joseph W. Seamster, and
Joshua D. Seamster of Danville,
His grandchildren are Matthew J. Clay, Benjamin T. Clay, Joe Seamster, Jr., and Alexandra Seamster, all of
Danville, and Betsye Jeanne Clay Miller of Greensboro, NC; Great-grandson is Aaron Matthew Clay of Danville.
His two sisters are Pauline S. Osborne of Danville, and Mary Frances Ferguson of Lynchburg, VA.
James was owner of Wilco, Inc. for forty-five years. His employees respectfully admired him for the Christian
Lilfe he practiced.
He was a member of Gideons, International where he was active in his true calling of leading others to Christ.
He ministered to all walks of life and had a special heart for the downtrodden, the sick, or neglected members
Of our society. His quest began as a young man and lasted until his death.
James Seamster personified the Christian spirit in the life he lived through dedication to his wife, Jeanne, and to
All of their children. He and Jeanne were present in all of their sports activities and accompanied them to church
Every Sunday. The same continued with their grandchildren.
One of James’s favorite scriptures was John 3:16, as was II Timothy 4:7. His devoted Jeanne was strengthened by
The spirit of Jesus as she stood by her husband in his last hour and recited to him those precious words in
Timothy: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up
For me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only,
But unto all that love his appearing.”
Swicegood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services are Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at
11:00 a.m. at Stokesland United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Cecil Coates, Rev. Silas Seamster, and Rev. Kenny Lewis. A private burial will follow. The family will receive friends at
68 Old Farm Road.
Pallbearers are Woodrow Hancock, Steve Daniel, Keith Daniel, Robbie Woodall, Bobby Martin, O. B. Barber, and
Melvin Griffith.
The family request memorial contributions be made to John Paul Seamster Scholarship Fund at Lynchburg College,
John Paul Seamster ’92 Memorial Golf Tournament, or to Gideon International, 269 Wyndover Drive, Danville, VA, 24541.