James L. Giles

James Lee “Vicky” Giles, 82, peacefully transitioned from this life on January 13, 2026, at the Emogene Dolan Jones Hospice House in Huntington, West Virginia. Born on May 22, 1943, in Wilcoe, West Virginia, James was the beloved eldest child of the late James H. and Marcellia S. Giles.

Vicky lived a life defined by service, discipline, and unwavering integrity. An honored United States Army Veteran, where he proudly served as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division, from which he was honorably discharged after four years of service. His military and law enforcement careers reflected his deep commitment to protecting others, exemplifying courage, sacrifice, and dedication to the greater good.

Education was a cornerstone of Vicky’s life. He attended Wilcoe Colored Grade School and graduated from Gary District High School in 1961. He went on to attend Bluefield State College, Marshall University, and Southern Illinois University Law School - Carbondale, earning Bachelors, Masters, and Juris Doctor degrees. He was also a graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy. Vicky was the first Black person to complete the West Virginia State Police Academy. Known for his brilliant intellect and no-nonsense demeanor, Vicky possessed a sharp mind and an analytical spirit. He excelled as an athlete in both football and basketball and nurtured a lifelong passion for political affairs, philosophy, poetry, and mathematics.

Rooted in faith by his family, Vicky accepted Christ at an early age as a member of First Baptist Church of Wilcoe. When not worshiping there, he attended services alongside his maternal grandparents, William and Dorothy Wade, at Rock Hill Baptist Church in Gary, West Virginia. His love for his grandparents—whom he affectionately referred to as “Mama Dorothy” and “Mister Wade”—was profound and enduring.

Vicky found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved dancing, reading, listening to music, watching sports and westerns on television, and spending cherished time with his family and friends. His presence was steady, thoughtful, and deeply felt by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Vicky was preceded in death by his beloved son, Victor E. Giles; maternal grandparents William and Dorothy Wade, paternal grandparents, James and Elizabeth Giles; his brothers Alan T. Giles, Edgar D. Giles, and Kenton A. Giles; and his sisters Dolly J. Giles Rosenbalm and Earleen E. Giles.

He leaves to honor his memory his son, Manuel D. (Felicia) Showalter of Snellville, Georgia; his brother, Clinton H. (Sharon) Giles of Charleston, West Virginia; and his sisters Diana J. (Greer) Gentry of Charlotte, North Carolina; Dassa J. Giles, Dameta J. Brown Carter, and Danette J. Giles, all of Bluefield, West Virginia; and Delphia J. Giles of Huntersville, North Carolina. He is also survived by granddaughters, Lapria Showalter of Snellville, Georgia, and Angel Needham Giles of Chicago, Illinois; grandson Daylon Showalter of Lithonia, Georgia; and three great-grandchildren, Hunter Atterbury, Grayson Needham and Victor Needham, and one aunt, Cheryl Garner of Charleston, West Virginia; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, family and friends.

Service will be held at Restlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Chapel, 6605 New Hope Road, Bluewell, West Virginia, on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 12:00 noon, with Visitation one hour prior to the Service. The Mercer County Honor Guard will perform Military Rites.  Interment will follow in Restlawn Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch, West Virginia.

**In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in honor of James Lee Giles to Prestera Foundation, 6007 US Route 60, Suite 120, Barboursville, WV 25504,  Online: https://prestera.org/donate/ (Phone: 304-525-7851 ext. 1514; or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203, Online: https://donate.nami.org/fundraiser/6916659?is_new=true (Phone: 703-524-7600).**