Joe Ben Jamison

Joe Ben Jamison, age 77 of Callaway, passed away peacefully in the evening hours of Tuesday, November 2, at home surrounded by his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe B. and Ella Jamison, his brother, James Richard Jamison, his parents-in-law, Dick and Virginia Sowder, and sister-in-laws, Gay B. Jamison (wife of brother, Charles) and Beverly Sowder (wife of Joyce Anns brother Donald). Surviving are Joe Bens loving wife of 55 years, Joyce Ann; son Ben Jamison and his wife Colleen; daughter Jennifer Young and her husband Jeff; grandchildren Lynnanne Hodges and fiance Jason Yndestad, Josh Wood and wife Trisha, Brandon Wood and wife Julia, Joey Jamison, and Billie Jo Young; great-grandchildren Ella Grace Wood and Jameson Wood; brothers Jerry (and wife, Sandra Jamison) and Charles Jamison. Joe Ben was born in Callaway, VA on June 18, 1933. He graduated from Callaway High School in 1950 and Lynchburg College in 1954. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1954 and served until 1958. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he returned to Franklin County, completed his Masters Degree in School Administration from Virginia Tech and subsequently worked as a teacher, counselor, principal and supervisor for 32 years. Joe Ben was a very active and faithful member of Piedmont Presbyterian Church in Callaway, where he served as both a deacon and elder and was Clerk of the Session for many years. He taught Sunday School and directed the Adult Choir, which he continued to sing in during his later years. In 2000, Joe Ben wrote a history of Piedmont Church which was included in a book celebrating the 150th anniversary of the church. He also served in many capacities in the governing body of the Presbyterian Church at the Presbytery level. He chaired, and was a member of, several committees, as well as serving as Moderator of the Presbytery for one year. He served as a lay minister at Rocky Mount Presbyterian Church and Belmont Presbyterian Church in Roanoke for several years. Joe Ben was also a charter member of the Callaway Ruritan Club. Among Joe Bens favorite pastimes and hobbies was his love for growing and working with flowers, reading both fiction and non-fiction novels, playing any type of game (especially bridge), listening to music and dancing, and in his later years, singing with different groups in the community, especially the volunteer singers who performed at Franklin HealthCare. Joe Ben dearly loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. The family would like to thank all those people who have loved and supported us during this time of need. Special thanks go out to the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ at Piedmont Church. Also the help and love we received from Anne and David Jamison, Linda Barnhart and the members of Franklin Carilion Hospice will never be forgotten by our family. If desired, people may send flowers to Conner-Bowman Funeral Home, or make a contribution to the Piedmont Presbyterian Church Building Fund or to Franklin Carilion Hospice in Joe Bens memory. Visitation with the family will be on Friday, Nov.5th, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Conner-Bowman Funeral Home. The memorial service for Joe Ben will be held at Piedmont Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Nov.7th at 2:00 P.M., followed by interment at the Helms Family Cemetery in Callaway. Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, Rocky Mount.