*COURTESY ANNOUCEMENT*

James "Jim" Kilby Roten passed away peacefully in his home in Rugby, Virginia on February 2, 2023. He was born in Ashe County, North Carolina on July 16, 1963 to Ralph and Freeda Kilby Roten. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Jeanne Frost Roten and two wonderful children, a daughter Jocelyn Roten of Elkin, NC and a son Jordan Kilby Roten (wife Lorissa Hash Roten) of Mouth of Wilson, VA. He is also survived by three brothers, David Roten of Galax, VA, John Roten (wife Roxanne Roten) of Independence, VA, and Benji Roten of Rugby, VA, several nieces and nephews, and of course many dear friends and neighbors, two farm dogs (Sadie and Sandy), and a lap cat (Pearlie).

Jim, Big Jim, Jimmy Joe was an incredible person. He was a strong, tough man with a fun personality, an infectious smile, and a generous heart. If there was ever someone in need, he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved life, his family, and his many friends. Jim spent most of his career working with heavy equipment as a logger, dump truck driver, and concrete truck driver and operator. Most recently, he loved working as a Trades Technician at Grayson Highlands State Park, where he spent "many a day" throughout his life horseback riding, hiking, and picnicking. Jim also enjoyed farming, hunting, and being outdoors.

The family is forever grateful to Blue Ridge Cancer Center, Carillion New River Valley Medical Center, and Mountain Valley Hospice for all of Jim's medical care. A special thanks is given to Wanda Wiles of Mountain Valley Hospice for her exceptional care and support for Jim and his family during a very difficult time.

The family would also like to thank all their neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers for the outpouring of visits, prayers, phone calls, food, etc.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 4:00 pm at the Boone Family Funeral Home Chapel in West Jefferson, NC. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Boone Family Funeral Home. Pastor Louis Young of Crumpler, NC will be officiating.

Memorials may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 1477 Carrolton Pike, Hillsville, VA 24343, or plant a tree in memory of James at boonefuneralhome.com.