James Lancaster

James Russell Lancaster, 63, of Baltimore, passed away on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore.  He was surrounded by his wife, daughters and loving family.  He was the devoted husband and soulmate of Jerri Shillingburg Lancaster.  They shared over thirty-two wonderful years of love and happiness and celebrated their 25th Silver Anniversary on August 21, 2018.  A native of Cross, WV, James was born at Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser, WV on August 21, 1955.  He was the devoted son of the late John K. (Junior) and Marion M. (Hanlin) Lancaster of Mount Storm, WV.  James was the beloved son-in-law of the late Junior L. “JR” and Mavidell V. (Dunithan) Shillingburg of Elk Garden, WV.  James graduated from Elk Garden High School and Mineral County Technical Center in electronics in 1974.  While in high school James played four years of varsity basketball ending his senior as a forward on their renowned “Six Man Cage Team.”  James started his working career right out of high school as a laborer for PALCO Industries for VEPCO, Mt. Storm, WV in 1974, continued his career as a heavy equipment operator for Marsh Coal Company, Westernport, Md in 1976; owned and operated Lancaster Timber, Cross, WV 1980-1987; carpenter for Tim Truett Home Improvement, Baltimore, MD 1988-1994.  In 1994, James formed and operated Lancaster Home Improvement, Baltimore, MD.  James was a member of the United Methodist Church, Cross, WV and continued to be devoted to his faith thought out his lifetime. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, remodeling, and being a carpenter and craftsman.  He especially loved viewing evening sunsets with his beautiful wife from the porch at their cabin in Hartmansville, WV.  James will be loved forever and remembered for his love of family and devotion to his wife and daughters.  He loved coming home to West Virginia and family gatherings.  His beautiful smile, honesty and hard work ethic were admired by everyone that know him.  Besides his wife Jerri, James is survived by his daughters Kandace Renae and husband Andrew Schooler of Bunker Hill, WV and Morgan Elizabeth Lee at home; siblings, Janet L. Simmons and husband Edgel of Elk Garden, Kenneth R. Lancaster of Hartmansville, Marian Droppleman and Leon Paugh of Elk Garden, Linda S. Lancaster of Mt. Storm, Sandra H. Miller and husband Carroll of Richmond, VA;  Patricia A. Droppleman and husband James of Keyser, cousin and “sister of the heart,” Walter K. Kitzmiller, a cousin and “brother of his heart” and wife Nancy; brothers-in-law, David K. Shillingburg (deceased) and Ronald L. Shillingburg and wife Beverly of Elk Garden; nieces and nephews, Stephanie, Michael, Matthew, Cheryl, Marcia, John, Barbara, Mistie, Nathan, Jason and Justin; 16 great nieces and nephews. James is also survived by his beloved Aunt Edna of Baltimore; life-long friends in WV and extended Baltimore family and friends, including Frankie Sass, “a brother of his heart.”  In accordance with James’ wishes, he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held at the Nethken Hill United Methodist Church, 459 Nethken Hill Rd, Elk Garden on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at 1 PM with the Rev. Matthew Paugh officiating.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., Kitzmiller. Condolences for the family may be left at www.csfredlockfh.com.