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James Hanna Gum, 86, of Goshen, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at his home.
Born Dec. 12, 1936, in Cass, West Virginia, he was a son of the late Alfred and Mary (Lyle) Gum.
Jim was a life-long logger. He started logging as a 9-year-old boy, pulling logs with horses, alongside his father. He owned and operated Gum Logging in Goshen until just a few months ago, and enjoyed the support of sons Calvin and Ivan in his logging business for many years. He truly loved to work and was well-known in the local logging community.
Jim was a self-taught mechanic and could fix anything. As a younger man, he built and operated a sawmill, trained horses, and enjoyed bear-hunting. He was independent and determined, and was generous in his care toward those around him. He was a member of Peoples Baptist Church in Craigsville.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Timothy Gum and James Gum; a brother, Clyde Gum; and two sisters, Ethel Hiner and Ruth Roberts.
Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Garnett (Smith) Gum, whom he married on June 16, 1956; five children, Pamela Knutson and husband Brent of St. Maries, Idaho, Clarence Gum and wife Cindy of Beaverdam, Calvin Gum and wife Libby of Lexington, Ivan Gum and wife Lisa of Bergton, and Carlos Gum of Fisheresville; a sister-in-law, Pearl Gum of Dawson, W.Va.; 14 grandchildren; 22 greatgrandchildren; and one greatgreat- grandchild.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 7, in Peoples Baptist Church, officiated by Brother Robert Hale. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Churchville. Active pallbearers will be Ivan Huneycutt, Steve Ingram, Ron Sprouse, Kenny Cox, Clyde Gum Jr. and Kevin Gum. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Fox and Richard Byrum.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home; visitors are also welcome at the Gum home.
Memorials may be directed to Peoples Baptist Church, P.O. Box 445, Craigsville, VA 24430; or to a charity of choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com. N-G
