James Howard “Jim” Foutty

JAMES HOWARD “JIM” FOUTTY, 83, of Parkersburg, died April 15, 2023, at his Residence. He was born April 6, 1940, in Follansbee, was the son of the late Howard Sherman and Kathryn Virginia Shears Foutty. Jim graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1958 and was a U.S. Army veteran, proudly serving six years with the 1092nd Engineering Battalion of West Virginia National Guard and metaled as Expert Marksman. He spent 32 years dealing with people in Sales and Retail Management for Sears Roebuck & Co. His children often remarked that no matter how far away they went, they could never get away with inappropriate behavior. “Why Not?” because, he knew “Everyone” and “Everyone” remembered him and told the kids so. He was proud of his family, loved them deeply and served them first. Protecting his family was his priority. Friends knew he cared for them too and was continually serving others as an unofficial Counselor to anyone in need of help. Jim enjoyed golf, bowling, car racing and loved old time muscle cars; however, his favorite things were his five grandchildren, woodworking, dogs, traveling and fishing. Those were his joys in life. He served 50-plus years as a member of Parkview United Methodist Church where he held many positions such as lay leader, teacher, board and council member and others. He cherished his relationship with God and his church family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Congdon Foutty; son, Dr. James Joseph “J.J.” Foutty and his wife Stacie; five grandchildren, Nicholas James Foutty, Jacob Dail Foutty, Adrianna Jane Foutty, Jonah Weston Foutty, Piper Grace Foutty; niece Kelly Hopkins (Charles) Metcalf of Florida; and nephew, Joe Hopkins Schweickert; great-niece, Megan Hopkins of Florida; and great-nephews, Keith Hopkins of Florida, Jason Stephens and his wife Sonya of Belleville, WV. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by daughter, Deborah Kay Foutty; sister, Helen Joan “Whitey” Hopkins Schweickert; niece, Kathy Hopkins Stephens Cauley; and nephew, Dana Hopkins. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg with the Rev. Erik Nielsen officiating. Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family. Visitation will be held Monday, April 24, from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Syringomyelia and Chiari Alliance Project, “ASAP”, P. O. Box 1586, Longview, TX 75606-1586 or https://asap.org/fundraise/donate.