James Sconyers

James M. "Jim" Sconyers, 73, of Cranesville, WV died on Monday, December 12, 2016, at his home. Born on November 16, 1943 in Yazoo City, MS, he was the son of the late Joseph and Virginia (Post) Sconyers. Jim had obtained degrees from Hampden-Sydney College, University of Virginia and West Virginia University. He worked for numerous years as a teacher in both the Preston County, WV and Garrett County, MD schools. After he retired from teaching, he became an environmental organizer for the Sierra Club. Jim dedicated the latter half of his life to protecting the environment and wild lands of West Virginia, serving as a volunteer organizer, activist, staff member and long-time chapter president of the West Virginia Sierra Club. In 2013, for his unwavering dedication, he was recognized with a lifetime service award from the national chapter. Jim will be remembered as an avid hiker and kayaker, devoted dog dad, birdwatcher, and beer enthusiast. He was also a wildflower aficionado and naturalist, who enjoyed living off the grid. He is survived by a son, Jacob Sconyers and wife Nikki Stewart of Boston, MA; one sister, Jan Harrod and husband Bill of Fairfax, VA; and three brothers, David Sconyers and Donna Ventriss of Sarasota, FL, Mike Sconyers and Molly Ackerly of Norfold, CT and Jeff Sconyers and Deb Godfrey of Seattle, WA; and a number of nieces and nephews. He had a long and happy marriage to Judy (Squires) Sconyers, and a long, amicable, and even happier divorce from her. Friends will be received at the C & S FREDLOCK FUNERAL HOME, P. A., 21 N 2nd St., Oakland on Friday, December 16th from 5 to 8 PM. According to his wishes, Jim will be cremated after viewing with a private service to be held by his family on a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sierra Club of West Virginia at PO Box 4142, Morgantown, WV 26504 or by visiting http://www.sierraclub.org/west-virginia/get-involved.