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James Russell Wisely

September 7, 1916 — September 7, 2014

James Russell Wisely

J. RUSSELL WISELY STAUNTON, VA James Russell Wisely passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at the University of Virginia Medical Center. He was the son of William Lee and Alice Martin Wisely and was born at Greenville, Virginia on April 6, 1916. He graduated from Waynesboro High School in 1932 and from the University of Virginia with a BA degree in 1936, and a law degree in 1938. While at the University, he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and was on the Board of the Law School Publication, The Virginia Law Review. He was also a member of the Jefferson Society until his death. Mr. Wisely served his country in the Army Air Force during World War II, and returned to Staunton in 1948 to enter the insurance business. He retired as a partner from Staunton Insurance Agency in 1981. He was active in many civic and government affairs and was a member of the Staunton City Council for two terms. He was President of the Staunton Kiwanis Club. He was a charter member of St. John's United Methodist Church where he has been a past chairman of the Administrative Board and the Pastor Parish Committee. Mr. Wisely enjoyed a very full active life until his death at age 98. He was an accomplished woodworker and furniture maker, and filled his home with Williamsburg reproductions. He loved to work with old pine and walnut. He was an avid bridge player for most of his life, and he and his wife Lucy enjoyed square dancing and foreign travel for many years. For Russ there was nothing better than going to an auction or estate sale and finding bits and pieces of old light fixtures and other items which he could put together into new and beautiful creations. For many years he and his family loved spending time together as Smith Mountain Lake. He is survived by his wife, Lucy Flippo Wisely. In April of 2014, they celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary. Also surviving is a daughter, Linda Carter Wisely Leinster and her husband, Bill of Greensboro, North Carolina, their daughters Whitney Russell Leinster Krause and husband Keith of Stuttgart Germany, and Logan Leinster Schmidt and husband Andrew of Grand Rapids, Michigan; a son, Stephen W. Wisely and his wife Elizabeth of Staunton, and their daughter, Ellie Wisely of Tucson, Arizona; a son, Clayton R. Wisely and his wife Jane of Staunton, their son Ellis Wisely and his wife Allison of Columbus, Ohio, and their daughter, Lauren Wisely of Arlington, Virginia. He is also survived by one great granddaughter, Claire Eloise Schmidt of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Also surviving are four nephews, James Wisely of Raleigh, North Carolina, Robert Wisely, of Welwyn, England, James Custard and William Custard, both of Augusta County, and one niece, Betty Jayne Payne of Roanoke, Virginia. Visitation will be held Friday, September 12, 2014, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Henry Funeral Home, 1030 West Beverley Street, Staunton, VA. A memorial service will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church, 1716 North Augusta Street, Staunton at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2014. A private interment at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton will follow the service. The family requests that memorials be made to St. John's United Methodist Church, 1716 North Augusta Street, Staunton, VA 24401, Augusta Regional Free Clinic, 342 Mule Academy Road, Fishersville, VA 22939, or to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net .
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