by James Fox Death, Obituary – At the age of 90, James E. “Elwood” Fox went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 10, 2023, at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was the son of James E. Fox and Vergie Fox, both of whom passed away before his birth on February 26, 1932 in Wick, West Virginia.
In 1943, Elwood made his home in Chester, West Virginia. He began his education at Chester Central School and completed his high school education at Chester High School in the year 1950.
On July 28, 1951, he wed Janet R. McIntosh, who had been a classmate of his previously, and she became the love of his life. They were married for a total of seven decades, during which time they welcomed three children into the world: Terri Lynn, James D., and Scott D. While Elwood was still a student at West Liberty State College, he decided to go ahead and sign up for the Army Reserve in Wheeling, West Virginia, when he became 19 years old. After working his way up through the ranks of the enlisted personnel, he eventually earned the position of Sergeant First Class before being promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.
After that, he rose through the ranks of his regiment throughout his career, ultimately reaching the position of Battalion Commander of the 463rd Engineer Battalion. One of his Engineer Companies was recognized as the Most Exceptional Engineer Company in the Army Reserve throughout the United States. He reached the rank of Colonel before retiring from the military in 1992, after having served for a total of 33 years. During his final three years of service, he was tasked with the role of Engineer Staff Officer at the Headquarters of the First United States Army.
Elwood’s first job after leaving the military was in the Production Control Department of Colt Industries, where he remained for 31 years. After that, he worked as the Administrator for Fox Nursing Home Inc. His sons currently own and run the nursing home, which has since changed its name to The Orchards at Foxcrest and The Orchards of East Liverpool. Elwood served on the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Health Care Association and on the West Virginia Advisory Council in addition to his previous positions as Trustee and Chairman of the Lawrenceville Public District and as Past President of the local United Steel Workers of America.
A lifetime member of the Reserve Officer Association and American Legion Post 121, in addition to being a member of the First Christian Church in Chester, he was also a member of the organization. Additionally, he was a member of the Chester Kiwanis Club in addition to the Chester Newell Area Chamber of Commerce. Elwood will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Janet R. Fox; sons, James D. Fox and his wife, Alice of Chester and Scott D.
Fox and his fiancé, Kristin Barker of Fox Chapel; daughter, Terri Reese of Chester; grandchildren, Mallory Goodlin (Chris), Kaelin Fox (Missy Reed), and Hailey Fox; great-grandchildren, Hannah Kelly, David Fox, and Levi Reed-Fox; and daughter Marion Wilson, his sister, passed away before he did, and Harold Reese, his son-in-law, came before him in death.
On Friday, January 13, 2023, at 11:00 am, Pastor Cody Wilson will officiate a memorial service for Elwood that will be held at Arner Funeral Chapel. After the service, interment will take place at Locust Hill Cemetery. On Thursday, January 12, 2023, between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00 pm and 6:00 and 8:00 pm, friends are welcome to pay his family a visit. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the First Christian Church in Chester, which may be found at 330 Indiana Avenue, Chester, West Virginia 26034.
