James Edward Vinson Sr.

James Edward “PeeWee” Vinson, Sr., 80, of Branchland, WV, passed away peacefully at his home when “the clouds opened up and he saw Jesus” on November 12, 2025, in the presence and prayers of his dear loved ones.

He was born April 4, 1945, in Chauncey, WV. He was the son of the late James and Mae Vinson.

In addition to his parents, PeeWee was preceded in death by his four brothers and sisters-in-law Jackie (Ruth Ann) Vinson, Billy (Brenda) Vinson, Arthur “Bucky” (Gerri) Vinson, Ronnie Vinson, and an infant sister, Rhonda.

Peewee was a retired painter and sandblaster with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He was also a proud United States Army Veteran, having served during the Vietnam War. He gave his life to the Lord in Camp Branch United Baptist Church in November of 1989 and walked hand in hand with Jesus since. In addition to being a child of the king, PeeWee’s most prized names were “husband”, “dad”, and “Poppy”. He was a proud, loving husband to his devoted “Blondie”. Having been together for nearly 58 years, their love story created two kids (plus a son-in-law and daughter-in-law that became their own), two grandkids, and an infinite number of cherished memories.

When he was younger and able, there was nothing PeeWee enjoyed more than hunting and fishing with his kids and grandkids. He played softball well into his forties and later enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play on the same fields he did. He loved to watch tv and movies and never passed up a good gospel song. He was a kind-hearted and generous man who never shied away from lending a helping hand, a prayer, or a hug and “I love you.”

Peewee is survived by his selfless and loving wife, Betty, his daughter Melissa “Missy Mouse” (Tim) Schroeder, his son Jamie “Hoss” (Candy) Vinson, his granddaughter Sammi Jo “Sunshine” Vinson, his grandson Garrett “Tiger” Vinson, and his special mother-in-law Hazel Plumley, all of Branchland, WV. He is also survived by a very special in-laws, which he claimed as his own: Brenda “Splotchie” Chapman, and her husband “Timbo” of Salt Rock, WV, and Bobby (Charlotte) Jeffers of Hamlin, WV, along with a host of loved ones, family and friends left to cherish his memory.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Hospice of Huntington for the care both PeeWee and the family received during the last several months. You are angels on earth. Finally, we want to send extra hugs and kisses to a special niece and nephew, Max and Vada Chapman, for always checking on and visiting Uncle PeeWee.

Funeral services will be Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM at McGhee-Handley Funeral Home, West Hamlin, WV, with Lenny Romans and Tim Chapman officiating. The burial will follow in the Roy Family Cemetery, Branchland, WV. A visitation will be one hour prior to services on Sunday.