Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. John Brenton Staunton Jr., 79, of Oak Hill, WV, passed away on October 15, 2023, in the arms of his beloved daughter at the Hospice Care of CAMC Memorial Hospital, in Charleston, West Virginia.

John (known to his family as JB) was a creative spirit, an independent soul, and a devout Christian.

JB was born on Saturday, May 27, 1944, in Ingram Branch, West Virginia to Mrs. Esther Francis Hall Staunton and John Brenton Staunton Sr.

JB displayed a very curious nature with remarkable independence from a very early age, a trait that would define his life’s journey. At just 17 years old, he met the love of his life, and together they began an extraordinary journey, rooted in commitment to each other, unique memories, and producing four children.

JB briefly served in the US Army Reserves, demonstrating his dedication to his country. However, his true passion was art and he loved colors. He was a gifted craftsman, using his talents to express his unique perspective on the world, which mirrored his love of togetherness and nature intertwined with GOD. He loved birds, building bird houses, and admired the freedom birds have. His eclectic taste in singing and listening to gospel music added a beautiful soundtrack to his life, creating lasting memories for those he held dear. If he felt the urge, he would break into a solo in front of anyone, whether in or out of tune. He loved the gospel hymns “Amen and Hallelujah.”

JB, coming from a large and close-knit family, appreciated the bonds of relationship, diversity and inclusion as he formed many multi-cultural friendships within the USA. As a devoted Christian, JB lived by his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. He touched the lives of many locals to Oak Hill with his gentle and compassionate nature, forging close friendships that were deeply rooted in Christian values.

JB will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His independent spirit, creativity, love for the arts, close family ties, and the last- ing bonds he formed will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate to be part of his life.

JB is survived by his sons, John B. Staunton III of Lewisburg, WV and Martin F. Staunton and his wife, Melissa of Princeton, WV; daughter, Dr. Rebecca Staunton and her husband, Neal F. Blaak of Wassenaar, The Netherlands; brothers, Philip L. Staunton and his wife, Shirley of Jamaica, NY, Milton L. Staunton of Fayetteville, WV, and Winston Staunton Jr. of Hazelton, PA; sis- ters Freda P. Burton of Oak Hill, WV, Grestella M. Walker and her
husband Edward of Washington, DC, Eva M. Ferrall and her husband Thomas Sr. of Newport News, VA, Debra S. Wyatt of Burlington, NC and Allison M. Washington and her husband Tony of Greensboro, NC; 9 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchild; many cousins; and lots of friends as “just about everyone knew JB.”

JB is preceded in death by John Brenton Staunton Sr. (father); Nancy Withers Staunton (wife); Esther Francis Hall (mother); Patricia Paulette Jennings (sister); Walker Derome Staunton (brother); Jacqueline Theresa Staunton (sister), Vivian Geraldine Staunton (sister), and Mr. Leigh Withers Staunton (son).

Funeral will be 11:00am Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor Chapel 748 S. Fayette St. Beckley. Burial will follow in Meadow Haven Memorial Park, Ingram Branch.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor on behalf of John B.
Staunton Jr. to be used to offset funeral expenses.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.