James W. “Jim” Saunders, 84

dleJames W. “Jim” Saunders, 84, of Gallipolis, passed away at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014, in the Elliott’s Medical Foster Home, in Guysville, Ohio. Born October 7, 1929 in Gallipolis, he was the son of the Late Walter Earl and Stella Smith Saunders.

In Jim’s early years he served his country in the United States Air Force, during the Korean Conflict. After his service time Jim did many things in his life, he was a patrolman with the Gallipolis Police Department, worked as an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (A.T.F.) agent in Virginia and also in Kentucky, elected Gallia County Sheriff in 1972, served as an veteran service officer for Gallia County, served as a coal company pilot, was the manager of the Gallia-Meigs Regional Airport, and retired from the Gallipolis Volunteer Fire Department. Jim was a member of the Gallipolis American Legion Post #27, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post # 4464, and a member of the Disabled American Veterans, he also enjoyed serving on the Gallia County Veterans Services Funeral Detail Team.

He is survived by his children, Duston (Joanne) Saunders, of Highland Mills, NY., Penny (Bill) Burleson, of Gallipolis, Debby (Michael) Simmons, of Gallipolis, James W. “Jim” (Lynn) Saunders, II, of Browns Burg, Indiana, Colin (Tracy) Saunders, of Gallipolis, LuEllen Scouten, of Gallipolis, and Jamie (Danny) Mullane, of Louisville, Kentucky. Ten grandchildren, Esther (Tim) Staufer, Bethany Simmons, Joshua (Samantha) Simmons, Miranda (Matt) Townsend, Will (Kendra) Burleson, Hannah (Ryan) Burnett, Sarah Burleson, Jamie Lynn (Drew) Varvel, Andrew Scouten, and Kyle (Adrienne) Scouten, thirteen great-grandchildren, and one sister, Jean Pullins, of Gallipolis, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends also survive.

In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by a sister, Earlene Saunders.

A memorial service will be conducted Friday, October 10, 2014 at 11:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Gallipolis. With Pastor Bob Hood officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the Gallia County Veterans Services Funeral Detail Team. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.cremeensfuneralhomes.com