James Fox Obituary, Death – James E. “Elwood” Fox, age 90, passed away and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was the son of the late James E. Fox and Vergie Fox, and he was born on February 26, 1932 in Wick, West Virginia. Elwood made the move to Chester, West Virginia, in 1943. He started his education at Chester Central School and finished it with the Class of 1950 at Chester High School.
On July 28, 1951, he tied the knot with the love of his life, Janet R. McIntosh, who had been a classmate of his. During the course of their seven decades long marriage, they rejoiced in the arrival of their three children: Terri Lynn, James D., and Scott D.
At the age of 19, Elwood enlisted in the Army Reserve in Wheeling, West Virginia, where he was living at the time while also attending West Liberty State College. After working his way up through the ranks of the enlisted personnel, he was eventually commissioned as a second lieutenant after reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class. After that, he was given increasingly responsible unit assignments throughout his career, culminating in his position as Battalion Commander of the 463rd Engineer Battalion.
It was determined that one of his Engineer Companies was the most exceptional Army Reserve Engineer Company in the entire United States. In 1992, after having served for a total of 33 years, he retired from the military with the rank of Colonel. During the final three years of his service, he was employed at Headquarters, 1st United States Army as an Engineer Staff Officer.
Elwood’s first job after leaving the military was in the Production Control Department of Colt Industries, where he remained for 31 years. After that, he became the Administrator of the Fox Nursing Home Inc. His sons are the current owners and operators of the nursing home, which is now known as The Orchards at Foxcrest and The Orchards of East Liverpool.
Elwood served previously on the Board of Trustees and as Chairman of the Lawrenceville Public District. He also served on the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Health Care Association and on the West Virginia Advisory Council during his career. In addition to being a member of the American Legion Post 121 and the Reserve Officers Association for his entire life, he was also a member of the First Christian Church in Chester. In addition to that, he was an active participant in the Chester Kiwanis Club and the Chester Newell Area Chamber of Commerce.
Elwood will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, Janet R. Fox; sons, James D. Fox and his wife, Alice of Chester and Scott D. Fox and his fiancé, Kristin Barker of Fox Chapel; daughter, Terri Reese of Chester; grandchildren, Mallory Goodlin (Chris), Kaelin Fox (Missy Reed), and Hailey Fox; great-grandchildren, Hannah Kelly, David Fox, and Levi Reed-Fox; and Marion Wilson, his sister, and Harold Reese, his son-in-law, passed away before him. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
A memorial service for Elwood will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Arner Funeral Chapel. Pastor Cody Wilson will officiate. The burial will take place at Locust Hill Cemetery after the service. On Thursday, January 12, 2023, between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 pm and 6:00 and 8:00 pm, his friends and their families will be available to receive guests. Donations in memory of the deceased can be made to the First Christian Church in Chester, which can be sent to 330 Indiana Avenue, Chester, West Virginia 26034.