James Lee Lynch Sr.

James Lee Lynch, Sr., age 99, passed away on September 15, 2022. Born May 18, 1923 in Roanoke, Virginia, to James Grady Lynch and Lucy Rena Snead Lynch, he moved to Danville at an early age where he resided until his death. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Idella Ricketts Lynch, a daughter Betty Jo Lynch and a granddaughter Jo Michelle Matthews. He is survived by a son James Lee Lynch, Jr. and wife Nancy, of Boydton, Virginia; a daughter Sylvia Lee Lynch-Matthews and husband John, of Hot Springs, Arkansas; five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. A veteran of World War II, James served in both the 113th and 125th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, attached to the 1st and 9th Army serving in the European Theatre, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. He received the Bronze Star Medal for bravery and heroic acts, a Purple Heart for injuries suffered in Holland, the Good Conduct Medal for Efficiency, Honor, & Fidelity, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 4 bronze stars, and the WWII Victory Medal. James was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Battle of the Bulge Association. In 2016 at the age of 93, he was named Chevalier of the Legion of Honor, France’s highest distinction, in gratitude for personal service to France’s liberation during WWII. He accepted his medal at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he was treated to hors ‘d oeuvres and champagne, and remarked how “old” the other Chevaliers were! James retired from the City of Danville Water Gas & Electric Dept. after 32 years of service. He was a member of the Servicemen’s Bible Class of Third Avenue Christian Church where he joined in 1946 after returning from WWII. He loved hunting and fishing and was a ‘fix-it’ man all his life. He enjoyed piddling in his shop and working with the purple martins that flocked to his home-raised and homemade gourd-houses. James did not have a bucket list, but his one goal in life was to live longer than his mother who died at 100. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the kindness and true compassion provided by the staff at the Salem Veterans Hospital, from the parking attendants, the ER, and all the doctors, nurses, and attendants. He was one of the “GREATEST GENERATION” and he will be missed! Graveside services will be conducted by Rev. Larry Davis at Highland Burial Park at 11:00 am, Monday, September 19, 2022 with military honors by the United States Army and the American Legion Dan River Post 1097. The family will receive friends and visitors at the home, 505 Franklin Turnpike, Danville, VA 24540. Donations may be made to Arbor Baptist Church, 15120 River Road, Sutherlin, VA 24594 or a charity of your choice. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main is respectfully serving the Lynch family.

James Lee Lynch Sr.

May 18, 1923 - September 15, 2022