James “Archie” Singleton, 90, of Frametown, WV passed away in the early morning hour July 2, 2025, at Pleasant Acres Christian Haven Assisted Living in Fairmont, WV following a brief illness. He was born December 31, 1934, at Dry Fork in Frametown to the late James Glenn Singleton and Barbara Irene Pierson Singleton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Linda F. Singleton; as well as his sister, Flora Belle Lehman; and brother-in-law Harry D. Lehman; foster sister, Margaret S. Hunt; first wife, Liz Knight; and son James A. Singleton II (Jimmy). His stepmother, Ruth B. Singleton; and his two half-brothers Roscoe and Jimmy Singleton also preceded him.

Archie attended Gassaway High School until his senior year when he caught a bus to Columbus, Ohio the day he turned 18 to pursue work. He worked in factories, was a valet attendant and even joined the Army National Guard for a period of time.

He moved back to WV and officially began working in road construction in the late 1950’s and had a career spanning nearly 50 years operating various construction equipment until he became a full-time crane operator. In his own words, “if it has levers, I’ve ran it.” His proudest accomplishment during his career was working on the construction of the New River Gorge Bridge, but he never failed to mention any bridge or road job big or small that he had been a part of while driving over them in the car.

During his retirement his favorite pastimes were napping, listening to classic country music and bluegrass, mowing the yard, gardening, and going to yard sales. He enjoyed stopping at the rail yard to visit his good friend, Nick Smyth, anytime he was around Gassaway.

Left to cherish his memory are his half-brother, James Henry Singleton (Sharon) of Frametown; son, Michael D. Singleton (Linna) of Gassaway; and nephew Gavin S. James of Fairmont, who he and Linda raised as their son; as well as a few cousins, in-laws, and nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Pleasant Acres Assisted Living and WV Caring Hospice for their exemplary and compassionate care of Archie, Braxton Co. Senior Center Meals on Wheels, as well as special friends and neighbors, Rick and Sandy Kyer, who went above and beyond in looking after Archie and making sure his needs were met and helping him maintain independence while still living at home.

In lieu of flowers, we know that Archie would instead ask that you don’t take life too seriously, and to always joke and have fun any chance you get.

Archie’s funeral will be 2 P.M. Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway with Pastor Ray Teets officiating.

Burial will follow in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

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