James Lewis Wolfe Jr., 92, of Cheat Lake, died Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in the same house in which he was born to James and Edna Wolfe on July 4, 1930.
He attended University High School and graduated in 1949. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force 90th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing as a tail gunner on a B29 Bomber during the Korean Conflict.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie June Clark, whom he met in Topeka, Kan., where she worked as a carhop. They were married in 1955 and have two children, James Lewis Wolfe, III and wife Tracy and Tracy Lynn Stobbe and husband Jim; two grandchildren, Rachel Lynn Wolfe and Amanda Lynn Wolfe; and one great-granddaughter Aulbree Heard; along with many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, James is preceded in death by his sisters, Marjorie Goodwin and Guyla Rae Gans.
Affectionately known as “The Mayor of Cheat Neck”, he was known to many by his friendly wave and smiling face. He was a talented musician, playing in several local bands throughout his life and was honored with the Golden Circle Award in 2005, acknowledging 50 years of entertainment in Appalachia. His family began performing in 1940. At the age of ten, he appeared on the Courthouse Square in Morgantown along with his father and sisters, Margie and “Tink.” His self-created persona of “Grandpappy Spears” was introduced as “the kid who eats from the wrong end of the spoon.” His lifelong occupation was in home construction as a carpenter for Newt Hastings and Richard Baker, but also included work for the family owned Wolfe Coal Company, Joby Baker’s Store, and Feather’s Blacktop Company. He attended Calvary United Methodist Church and Grace Baptist Church.
Friends and family are invited to attend a graveside service with military honors at the Wolfe Cemetery in Cheat Lake at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 30, with Pastor Barry Darnell officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home.
A special thanks to Trisha and Marissa and all of the Hospice staff at WVU Medicine.
