James (Jim) William Aldhizer, 88, husband of the late Dora Elaine Aldhizer, formerly of 120 Round Hill School Road, Ft. Defiance, and most recently a resident of The Legacy of North Augusta in Staunton passed peacefully surrounded by his children. James fulfilled his wishes as he went from his earthly home into his heavenly home on Monday, October 7, 2013, at his residence. Mr. Aldhizer was born December 16, 1924, in New Hope, Virginia, a son of the late Enoch and Susie Beard Aldhizer of New Hope. James was a lifelong, faithful member of Laurel Hill Baptist Church where he served as church clerk, Sunday school teacher, brotherhood member, and deacon. He was an active member in his church choir (back row, right side, choir book #1) until several months ago. His love was gospel music. He also sang in the Mens Quartet at Laurel Hill for many years. He was, until his move from New Hope, a member of the New Hope Chorus, sang at nursing homes with his sister, and over the years entertained himself, family and others by recording, playing and singing gospel songs. James will be remembered by his smile and joy of singing as he directed with his hand every note. James was a graduate of New Hope High School. After graduation he served in the United States Navy during World War II serving in the Philippines and Hawaii before returning home in 1946. Upon returning to New Hope, he started working at DuPont in Waynesboro. He worked in Benger Lab and retired after 38 years of service in 1985. He was also a member of the Woodmen of the World and was a past member of the Woodman Drill Team.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Aldhizer was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Elaine Wilfong Rosberg Aldhizer on March 20, 2013. They had celebrated 50 years of marriage on March 15, 2013. He also was preceded in death by his brother-in-law and sister, Guy and Mary Boatwright, brothers-in-law Joe Wilfong and Herbert Ward. James was a devout Christian, a loving husband, a wonderful grandfather and great grandfather, a hard worker, gardener, caretaker and earned the title of Worlds Best Father. He married his wife, a widow, in March of 1963 and raised her three children as his own and together was blessed with a fourth child.
James is survived by his baby girl Kimberly Aldhizer Kiser and husband Randy of Staunton; daughters, Beverly Rosberg Rowe and husband Jim of Harrisonburg; Pat Rosberg Fahrney and husband Ron of Grottoes; and son Carl Rosberg and wife Cheryl of Waynesboro; a sister, Alice Aldhizer Ward of New Hope; a sister-in-law and her husband, Louise and Paul Wilmoth of Staunton; a sister-in-law Margaret Wilfong of Maryland and seven grandchildren, Drew Rosberg and his wife Donna, Jodie Rowe, Kylor Eutsler and his wife Kara, Cameron Rosberg and his friend Ariel, Trafton Eutsler and his friend Jessica, Shannon Kiser and Scott Kiser; three great grandchildren, Cameron Rosberg, Haley Rosberg and Caleb Rosberg. As James ends his life on this earth, a new life will arrive in late October with the anticipation of another great grandchild, Logan Elaine Rosberg, who will be named after her recently deceased great grandmother, Elaine Rosberg Aldhizer.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2013, at Laurel Hill Baptist Church in Verona by Rev. Wellford Tiller.
Burial will be private in Oaklawn Memory Gardens, Veterans Park, Staunton, VA.
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Patrick Baroco of Augusta Hospital, Hospice of the Shenandoah, Home Instead for their wonderful caregivers, and most especially the staff of The Legacy of North Augusta for helping him to carry out his wishes of spending his last days in the comfort of his home. We would also like to thank the residents at The Legacy for their friendship over the last six months.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2013, at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory and at other times at the residence of his son and wife, Carl and Cheryl Rosberg at 2932 Plantation Lane, Waynesboro, VA. Active pallbearers will be his grandsons, Drew Rosberg, Kylor Eutsler, Cameron Rosberg, Trafton Eutsler, Scott Kiser and his nephew Roger Aldhizer. Honorary pallbearers will be his granddaughters, Jodie Rowe and Shannon Kiser.
It is suggested that those desiring to make memorial contributions may do so by contributing to the Memorial Fund at Laurel Hill Baptist Church, 129 Old Laurel Hill Road, Verona, VA 24482.
Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton is in charge of his arrangements.