James “Jim” Henry Vestal, 70, of Hot Springs, Virginia passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026, at his residence.
He was born August 8, 1956, in McRoss, West Virginia, the son of the late Theodore Francis Vestal and Edith Wright Vestal.
Jim was a retired Virginia State Trooper with 17 years of service. Prior to becoming a state police officer he was a city police officer in Lewisburg and Rupert, West Virginia.
He was a veteran of the United States Army and the Rainelle Army Reserves.
Jim was a recipient of the “Mothers Against Drunk Driving” Award and was instrumental in getting this program started in Bath County. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an avid hunter and golfer. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing the guitar, especially the family’s favorites, CCR and Journey, and sang in a family gospel group in his church in Rainelle many years ago.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Williams Vestal of 37 years whom he married on November 30, 1988. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children, Jennifer Lefler & fiancé Brian Cardwell of Staunton, Virginia, Rebekah Walthall & partner Joey Whitlock of Elliston, Virginia, Jamee Tyree & husband Charles “Tripp” of Troutville, Virginia, and James David “J.D.” of Warm Springs, Virginia; nine grandchildren, Aleisha Lefler & partner Jalin, Austin Lefler & partner Casey, Alexandra “Drew” Lefler, Darian Lefler, Kellen Walthall, Reese Whitlock, Gracie Walthall, Joey Whitlock, & Meredith James Tyree; twelve great grandchildren; three brothers Theodore F. Vestal, Jr. of Rupert, West Virginia, David Vestal & wife Michelle of Rupert, West Virginia, Danny Vestal & wife Myra Rainelle, West Virginia; three sisters, Anna Vestal of Rainelle, West Virginia, Peggy Hamrick of Rainelle, West Virginia, Helen Kelly & husband Jonathan of Osteen, Florida; four sisters-in-law, Linda Vestal of Princeton, West Virginia, Linda Evans & husband Bill of Covington, Virginia, Trish Drummond & husband Todd of Richmond, Virginia, Pam Nelson & husband Brian Nelson of Buena Vista, Virginia ; two brothers-in-law John Hook of Indianapolis, John Williams & wife Anna of Clifton Forge, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Carroll Vestal, Frances Martin, Sharon Hook and infant, Molly Vestal.
A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at McLaughlin & Young Funeral Home with John Young officiating.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hot Springs Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1313, Hot Springs, Virginia 24445.
Rest in peace my friend. We had so many great times in years past, both at work and in our free time. May God be with Lisa and your family during these trying times
You will truly be missed my friend and I always will be looking up at you
My prayers are with the family. Jim will forever be remembered for his dedicated service and respect that he displayed while protecting his community.
Prayers are with Jim’s family. He left a legacy of dedicated service protecting his community as a respected state trooper. RIP my dear friend
Jim, was one of VSP finest. The family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim was a good man that served his community faithfully for many years. RIP Jim
Many thoughts and prayers for Lisa and all of Jim’s family and friends Jim was a good man and friend R.I.P brother and thank you for your service to our county and country ❤️
Jim Henry is my best friend from my years in West Virginia. We had some great times together, as law enforcement offices, on and off duty. I will always remember him as I knew him, fun loving, loyal, and always with a smile.
My prayers for his family, and all that will miss him. There are many.
I spent 10 yrs in Area38 and had the pleasure of having Jim work for me. Not only did we work together we hunted together too. He was a great person, a dear friend, and will be greatly missed. Lisa and family you are in my thoughts and prayers .
Prayers for the family. Respected Senior Trooper devoting true dedication to public safety and his community. RIP my friend you will truly be missed.
Jim was one of the finest that I worked with for VSP. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed. Prayers of peace and comfort for Lisa and family.
Prayers for his family he was a wonderful man on and off duty
Jim knew no strangers; even beyond the badge his candor and humor were beyond anything anyone could imagine. So many of our brothers have hung the belt and gun up to rest our souls and wait for Christ coming…God bless peace and love ❤️
Sending prayers for comfort to his family and friends. He will remembered by many as one of the good ones. We will meet again in a better place.
You were a fine example to us all , as a man, and as a Trooper. God bless you.
I’ll miss old jimmy boy!!
Oh my Lisa just saw this prayers for you and your family!! What I rember about your husband he was a fine police officer! Understood the people around here.
I can’t believe this, Jim was a kind trooper. Prayers to the family.
Henry, you and your family have been good friends and neighbors for most of our lives. Rest in peace Henry from one of your Crosier Road family.
Here’s to the good old days.
What a great man and Trooper! Enjoyed working with him. Rest in peace, friend
Prayers for the family in this great loss. Years ago, my granddad and uncle both preached in the churches in this area of Rainelle. I was with them. Saw people’s names that I recognized. What great memories! I lived near Quinwood, Rainelle, and Lievsay WV. Prayers for all the family and friends. We will meet again in heaven.
Jim was a great guy ! I enjoyed working with him.
Thoughts and Prayers for Lisa & family.
So sorry to hear. Prayers for all his family. He was a fine officer and man.
RIP Jim Vestal
Prayers for Lisa and family.
VSP – Area 38 Trooper who served his department faithfully and professionally.
Jim was a good friend and great Trooper. He fit in well in Highland and Bath Counties and made it his home. He was fun to be around and work with. Prayers for him and the family.
Danny Vestal and Family,
Sending prayers and sympathy to you and your family for your loss!
Monte
My prayers are with you all in your loss.
Dear Lisa and family. Loy and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was truly a wonderful man. Although we have lost contact with you over the past few years since we all left Monterey, we often think of you and Jim. Please know that our hearts go out to you and we will keep you in our prayers. May he rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior. Loy and Bonnie Harvey.
Our condolences to your family. Thanks for the many fine memories while working with you at the VSP. God bless your family my friend.