James "Olen" Rutherford age 92 of Fries, Virginia passed away Saturday, October 28, 2023 at his home.

He was born on May 25, 1931, in Grayson County, Virginia (Fallville  Community) to Virgil Leon and Ola Celia Funk Rutherford. In addition, to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Ella "Ellen" Sue Carico Rutherford and four brothers Leon Rutherford, Paige Rutherford, Elmo Rutherford, and Harry Rutherford.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Debra and David Noblett of Fries, Virginia; sons and daughters-in-law Greg and Debra Rutherford and Kevin and Sherry Rutherford all of  Fries, Virginia; sister Ruth Sutherland of Fries, Virginia; sisters-in-law Opal  Rutherford of Galax, Virginia;  Amelia Rutherford of Santa Paula, California; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and several nieces and nephew; special friend Julianna Digiacomo.

Olen served in the US Navy from 1950-1954. He was an employee for the Grayson County School System  and worked at the Providence School for 23 years before his retirement in 1995.

After retirement he traveled across the United States by car and plane to see his brother Harry in California.

He enjoyed mowing his yard, driving his green truck and sitting on his front porch. He loved his time with his family.

The funeral service will be held Friday at 2:00 PM at the Atkins Memorial Methodist Church with the Rev. Lee Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the Atkins Memorial Methodist Church Cemetery with Military Rites by the Hillsville VFW Post 1115. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Atkins Memorial Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully request donations be made to the Atkins Memorial Methodist Church Cemetery, C/O Debra Noblett, 590 Bainbridge  Road, Fries, Virginia 24330.