James Vannest, 91, of St. Clairsville, Ohio died Saturday, June 3, 2017 at his home.

He was born in Glencoe, Ohio on April 18, 1926 son of the late Fred and Emily Kennedy Vannest.

Jim was retired from North American Coal Company. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II; a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church at St. Clairsville; a member of Weyer Lodge # 541 F. & A.M. in Centerville; UMWA Local 5139 and American Legion Post # 159 in St. Clairsville.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Jean Wilson Vannest and a brother, Sam Vannest.

He is survived by 3 sons, Ronald (Maureen) Vannest of Wheeling, WV, Bruce (Nancy) Vannest of Bethesda and Dan (Robin) Vannest of Baltimore, Maryland; a daughter, Christy (Martin) Sulek of St. Clairsville; 12 grandchildren David, Kirk, Jason, Melissa, Jennifer, Matthew, Brian, Stacie, Sean, Krystal, Johnathan and Shane; 5 great grandchildren Alicia, Jeremiah, Ayden, Brenna and Shreya; a great great grandchild, Mercedes; and a brother, John Vannest of St. Clairsville.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Toothman Funeral Home, St. Clairsville where services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. with Rev. Erica Harley officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery in St. Clairsville.

Full Military Honors will be conducted by the Belmont County Veterans Association in the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cumberland Trail Firefighters Association, P.O. Box 262, St. Clairsville, Ohio 43950.