Jess Ray Kiracofe, Jr.
Jess Ray Kiracofe, Jr., 86, of Winchester, Virginia. died Saturday, May 15, 2010 in Blue Ridge Hospice Residential Center.
Mr. Kiracofe was born in July 19,1923, in Winchester, Virginia, the son of the late Jess Ray and Celoma Kiracofe, Sr. He was a salesperson and quality control with Shenandoah Apple Cooperative, later retiring from sales and public relations with Winchester Printers. Mr. Kiracofe was a member of First United Methodist Church, in Winchester, the American Legion and the VFW Post 2123. He was also a member of the Judges Athletic Association and a former Jaycee. Mr. Kiracofe was a graduate of John Handley High School, Class of 1943, and attended the University of Maryland. He was a Veteran having served in the United States Army, Combat Engineers, in the European and Pacific Theatres, achieving the rank of Corporal.
Mr. Kiracofe was an avid ten pin bowler and participated in 35 American Blowing Congress- National Championship Tournaments. He helped build floats in the 1950’s and 1960’s for the Apple Blossom Festive and spent many years enjoying the hobbie of model railroading. For many years he placed his model train layouts in the Farmer’s & Merchants Bank lobby each year at Christmas.
His wife, Virginia Heatwole Knicley Kiracofe, preceded him in death on November 15, 1995.
Surviving are two sisters, Nancy T. Levi of Winchester, Virginia, Betty Marie Krieder of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; ten nieces and nephews and his significant other, Alyn Loy Fletcher of Winchester, VIrginia.
Two sisters, Lucille Norman, Margaret Mosely, and one brother, Arthur R. Kiracofe preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Monday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel with Reverend Steve Melester officiating. Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery, with military honors accorded by VFW Post # 2123.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Bowling Teams of F & M National Bank and Zuckerman Companies.
The family will receive friends on Sunday evening, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, Virginia.
Please view obituaries, tribute wall and guestbook at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.