James E. Criner, 73, of Gassaway, stood before many as a minister, beside many as a friend, and behind his family as a strong foundation. On Sunday, December 22, 2024, he accepted the greatest call as he entered his heavenly home and stood before his Savior.

James, or as many knew him as, Jim was born October 20, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Harold Crayton Criner and Louise Virginia Kelly Criner. After his family moved to Gassaway, Jim soon found the love of his life, Carol Ann Sanders whom he took as his bride. Their family became complete when they welcomed their son, Tim Criner. Though their family was small, their house became a home for many. On any given day, you could find the neighborhood kids running in and out. The stories from their childhood days still continue to echo as the stories and memories bring laughter.

Years later, a different set of footprints walked into his life, as he became the proud Pappy to his 3 granddaughters, Kaylee, Braelyn, and Rylan. He loved spending time with them, from playing ball in the front yard, giving them advice, and teaching them things to help guide them through life. If you saw him out, you probably got to hear a few stories about what “Pappy’s girls” were into and how proud of them he was.

Jim worked hard to provide for his family and enjoyed the times he got to spend getting to know the customers who quickly became his friends at Kroger. After working more than 30 years with the Kroger company, he retired as head produce clerk.

Outside of work, he enjoyed playing in basketball and softball leagues, traveling around the state, or just playing around in the local gyms. As Jim, would reminisce of these days, he would always end his stories by saying, “We had some good times.”

In his later years, He and his brother enjoyed getting out and socializing at the local diners in Gassaway.

Jim was proud to serve his community as a council member for the Town of Gassaway serving across several mayors’ terms.

His love for life and people was ultimately driven by his passion and love for the Lord. He never passed up a chance to stop and pray with someone or share a word of encouragement. He spent many years evangelizing in local churches before he accepted the position as Pastor at Little Otter Community Church in Chapel. Even as the years passed and his physical body became weak, he remained a strong pillar caring for his family, his church flock and his community at large. He loved those who were unlovable and had a desire to see all that he knew come to a personal relationship with the Lord. He built many strong bonds with those who knew him, and he will be missed deeply. He leaves his family and all who knew him with a wonderful legacy of Christian love, values and beliefs.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann Sanders Criner, and his sisters, Shirley Brannon and Wilma Hurd.

Left to cherish his memories are his son, Tim Criner and wife, Amanda, of Flatwoods; grandchildren, Kaylee, Braelyn and Rylan; and brother, Rick Criner of Gassaway; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim’s visitation will be 6 to 8 P.M. Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway.

His funeral will be 11 A.M. Friday, December 27th at the funeral home.

Interment will follow in Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.