James "Buzzy" Whittington, Jr.

James Burton “Buzzy” Whittington Jr., 75, of Gauley Bridge, passed away January 24th, 2026 after a short heroic battle to recover from extensive injuries from an automobile accident, James lost his battle and succumbed to his injuries. He will be greatly missed. He was born in Smithers on January 14th, 1951, to the late James Burten Sr. and Lorraine Elizabeth Whittington.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Laura L. “Sissy” Whittington.

He is survived by his wife: Kathy Lee Whittington; sons, James Burton Whittington III, Edward Michael Whittington, and David Lee Whittington; daughters, Leah Jean Staunton and her husband, Jarrod, and Rebecca Perry and her husband, Justin; grandchildren, Kyndall Perry and River Monroe Staunton, and sisters, Drena Graves, Rosie Derakhshandeh, Elizabeth Smith and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

James “Buzzy” Whittington was a proud mountaineer and lifelong resident of WV, raised in Boomer, Cannelton, and residing in Gauley Bridge.

He was a lifelong Christian, Pastor, and Community Leader.

He was a Vietnam veteran, having enlisted and fighting at age 19, he served a single tour as a sharpshooter, commando, and LRRP, and later as a Sergeant in the WVNG. During his service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, various merits, and the Purple Heart, due to extensive injuries received in active combat.

James “Buzzy” Whittington attended Heavy Machinery School, earning his certifications and several proficiency awards while doing so. He attended WV Tech for Mine Engineering, followed by a lifetime of working as a heavy machinery operator with local surface mines, and finally retiring. A proud 50-year UMWA member and Mine School Teacher/Owner, after retirement, focusing his time on properly training future miners in WV.

Graveside Services will be 2 PM Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow, West Virginia.

We ask that all funeral questions or inquiries be directed to Elk Funeral & Cremation Service.

In celebration of his life and family, we ask that all donations be directed to local homeless shelters or social service providers.

Elk Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to serve James's family at this time.