James Howard Staats

James Howard Staats, 91, of Point Pleasant, passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2011 at Pleasant Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He was born July 7, 1919, in New Haven, WV, a son of the late James Luther Staats and Margaret Jane (Balser) Staats. He was known by his nickname "Gramps" by his family and friends. In 1969, "Gramps" founded French City Homes, Inc. in Gallipolis, Ohio where he worked until his retirement in 1999. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He honorably served his country during WWII with the United States Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Martha Jane (Gibbs) Staats; three sisters, Pauline Grinstead, Frances Goodnite, and Geraldine Huffman; four brothers, Pete Staats, Bob Staats, Delmar Staats, and Ed Staats. Gramps is survived by his daughter, Jane Ann (Loyd) Moore of Williamstown, WV; two sons, James Delmar (Sandy) Staats, and Thomas Howard (Cathy) Staats of Point Pleasant; grandchildren, Thomas Christopher (Angie) Staats, Scott Thomas (Keri) Moore, Stephen Howard (Laurice) Moore, Jaime Lynn (Brent) Sang, Jennifer Ann (Matt) Jernigan, Kristen Ashley Staats; great-grandchildren, Justin Thomas Staats, Alexis Ann Moore, Tyler Thomas Moore, Ashley Nicole Staats, Carlee Jane Sang, Emma Renee Moore, Brennen Scott Sang, Elizabeth Jane Moore, Jack Clayton Moore, and Laci Grace Moore. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, June 18, 2011 at Wilcoxen Funeral Home in Point Pleasant with Carlton Schooley and Dale Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Graham Cemetery in New Haven, WV where Military Graveside Rites will be given by the West Virginia Honor Guard and American Legion Post No. 23 of Point Pleasant. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Serving as pallbearers will be, John Gerlach, Tom C. Staats, Scott Moore, Steve Moore, Brent Sang, and Matt Jernigan. Online condolences may be made at www.wilcoxenfuneralhome.com.