James Bradley Phares

He was born on Nov. 12, 1952, to Jo Ann Gum Phares and James L. Phares in Elkins, West Virginia.

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sara Gibson Phares; and their children, Beth Austin Phares, James “Jay” Joseph Phares, Tyler Milford Phares and wife, Brooklyn Sapp Phares.

Also surviving are three grandsons, Justin James Scoll, James Owen Phares and Reid Thomas Phares. His sister, Ruth Paige Shaw (husband Donnie) of Philippi, and brother, Ed Phares (wife Bobbi), of Elkins are the last of his birth family.

Special golfing buddies Dave Fincham and Ron Mason are left to carry on as well as Jim’s special dog Gus. He joins his best dog, Major.

He graduated from Elkins High School, class of 1970; earned his bachelor’s degree in education at WVU; Master’s in Educational Administration at Lynchburg College and his Doctorate of Education at Virginia Tech. He served as a teacher, coach and administrator for Bedford County, VA Schools at Thaxton Elementary and Staunton River Middle and High Schools.

He then became Superintendent of Schools in Pocahontas, Marion and Randolph counties in West Virginia before serving as West Virginia State Superintendent.

He retired to the golf course in 2016, continued his lifelong support of WVU sports, enjoyed daily dog walks and “puttering” in his workshop.

Friends and family will gather at a later date to celebrate his life. He chose cremation, no service or visitation.

He asked that donations be made to Randolph-Tucker Children’s Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 627, Elkins, WV 26241.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for James Bradley Phares.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.