Jimmie (Jim) Salyers, 80, was born May 30, 1944, and entered peacefully into Heaven Jan. 24, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 57 years, Linda, and cherished children and grandchildren.
Jimmie was one of 10 children born to parents, Clarence and Sylvia Salyers, in the small community of Road Ridge, Virginia. He did not grow up in a wealthy home, but they were rich in all the things that mattered – love, family, and generosity – and that legacy was passed on to him in great measure. Jimmie was known far and wide for his giving and generous nature. He made sure that no one in his presence ever had empty pockets or empty hearts. Strangers and family alike, he gave what he had and from his heart.
Jimmie came from a coal mining family and was the first of his family to go to college. He worked hard to graduate from Bluefield College and became proficient in accounting. He later retired from John Deere after many years of service. Although he was an accountant, his real passion was antiques, especially dolls and figurines. He was incredibly intelligent and was one of the best appraisers in the antique world. When he was passionate about something, he quickly became an expert. This included being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Jimmie is at the center of many happy memories for a great number of people. His mischievous smile, quick wit, and contagious giggle would make you laugh, even when you knew you shouldn’t. He had the rare talent of making every day feel like an adventure and intentionally made everything feel special, even things as small as trips for ice cream after school. He was steadfast and persevering in his life and his love for his family is what kept him going.
Jimmie is predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Sylvia; sisters, Ruth, Mildred, Shirley, Opal, Brenda, and Dorothy; and brothers, Henry and Arnold.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; three daughters, Tracy (Keith) Vinson, Ramona (Billy) Dowdy, and Valerie (Roy) Burton; one son, Kevin (Jennifer) Salyers; his sister, Bonnie Byrd; seven grandchildren, Hilary (Tim) Thompson, Rachael (Robert) Carter, Adam Dowdy, Hannah (Nunzio) Gallo, Nathanial (Jessica) Burton, Emily (Joey Ballard) Salyers, and Sydney Salyers; 10 great-grandchildren, Vivianna, Hayden, Andrew, Gabriel, Roman, Silas, Ashlyn, Shepard, and twin babies he was looking very forward to meeting in 2025; and many other beloved family members and friends – including a mother-in-law he treasured.
The family received friends Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Harbor of Hope Church in Christiansburg. Funeral services followed with Rev. Keith Vinson, Rev. Roy Burton, and Rev. Craig Reed officiating. Interment followed in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to The Agape Center NRV, PO Box 1281, Christiansburg, VA 24068.
“Don’t worry or surrender to your fear. For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also. My Father’s house has many dwelling places. If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:1-2. We have faith that Jimmie is with Jesus, picking out the wallpaper and putting his magic touch on the house so that it’s perfect someday for his beloved family to all join him. Until that day, we’ll do our best to pass his legacy of love and generosity on to the next generation.
The Salyers family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.
