James Bishop Obituary

James Fred Bishop

January 12, 2026

DUFFIELD, VA - James Fred Bishop, of Duffield, Virginia passed from his earthly home on January 12th at the experienced age of 93. Fred was the oldest of eight children, born during the depression, and was no stranger to hard work. He helped with his younger siblings and worked in his parent's, N.C. and Lucille Bishop's, grocery and hardware store, and he worked with his uncle Claude Bishop of Gate City in his shoe repair shop while still in high school. After graduation, he worked at Kingsport Office Supply until being deployed. He served as a member of the Army during the Korean War in 1952, stationed at Yokohama, Japan. He was assigned as a Quartermaster at the base due to his experience of working in his parent's store, as an apprentice to a cobbler, and for his ability to repair typewriters. He also became a certified safecracker.

After returning from the army, Fred attended Clinch Valley College before being employed by Southern Railway, where he worked as a Conductor for 40 years. He rode the caboose to the delight of his children and grandchildren as his train routes traveled past their homes, and he always waved to them as the train passed by. After retirement from the Norfolk Southern Railway, he worked another 10 years at the Holston Defense train yard in Kingsport, TN.

Fred and his wife Wilma attended Three Bells Methodist Church in Duffield for many years. He loved his church, his wife and his family, traveling, the beach, babies, music, NASCAR, sports (especially RCHS volleyball), apples (he had an orchard), his community and his country.

Fred proved his love for his community and country by giving back wherever he saw a need. He was a charter member of the Duffield Fire Department in 1972, and was instrumental to the success of the department, serving as Captain and Assistant Chief. He responded to calls in his younger years, and served on the Duffield Fire and Rescue Department Board of Directors in his later years, as both chairman and vice-chairman. He was a charter member of the Duff-Patt Ruritan Club and was involved with the initiation of the Duffield Daze annual parades. He also served his county as a member of the Scott County School Board, Secretary of the Scott County Electoral Board, and was the Mayor of Duffield for 2 years. A measured man, he was calm, thoughtful, deliberate, never impulsive, levelheaded, patient, and provided sound council.

When he could, Fred loved to be in the woods. In his later years, he missed being able to "hit" the woods as he did in his youth when he hunted grouse and turkey, but mostly, he loved the solace and grandeur he found in our beautiful Appalachian Mountains and driving the country backroads. He also loved exploring his genealogy, discovering that his ancestors were early landowners from the 1790's in the Duffield-Flat Lick area. He was a member and supporter of the Scott County Historical Society.James Fred Bishop loved his family and was a devoted son, husband, father, and brother. He is survived by his children, son Blane (Candace) Bishop of Holly Springs, NC, and daughter Vanessa Bishop (Kay) Jessee of Duffield, VA; grandchildren Andrea Jessee, Nathan (Jessica) Jessee, Whitney (Jared) Worley, Trevor Bishop, Jarod (Heather) Bishop, Seth Bishop and fiancée Chelsea; great-grandchildren Jackson, Elijah, and Kalynn Worley and Isaiah and Noah Jessee; brother Wayne (Dorothy) Bishop, sister-in-law Phyllis Bishop, brother-in-law Doyle McConnell, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife and sweetheart of 66 years, Wilma Bowen Bishop; parents Noble Conley and Lucille Peterson Bishop; brothers Larry, Kyle, Ronald, and Boyd Bishop, and sisters Nell Bishop (Jim) Tankersley and Leta Bishop (Harold) Kern; grandson, Kayden Bishop; sister in laws Lillie Bell (Ike) Neeley and Phyllis (Dale) McConnell; brother in law Cecil (Irene) Bowen; nieces Karen Tankersley and Jackie Hurley, and nephews Todd Bishop and Joe Neeley.

The family will receive friends at Three Bells Methodist Church on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. A funeral service will follow with Pastor Sean Bailey officiating. A military honors graveside will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11:00 am at Holston View Cemetery. Grandsons Nathan Jessee, Trevor Bishop, Jarod Bishop, Seth Bishop, and great-grandsons Jackson Worley and Isaiah Jessee will be serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members and board members of Duffield Fire and Rescue Department. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Carter-Trent / Scott County Funeral Home at 10:00 am. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 3/265.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Duffield Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, P.O. Box 297, Duffield, Va 24244; or, to Three Bells Methodist Church, 308 Fugate Street, Duffield, VA 24244

The family would like to thank the Duffield Fire and Rescue, and special caregivers Christine, Tabitha, and Kathleen.

Carter-Trent / Scott County Funeral Home is serving the Bishop family.