James Paul Little, Jr. of Ona, WV passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025 at St. Mary’s Medical Center surrounded by family. 

“Jim” was born on December 2, 1945 in Charleston, WV to James Paul Little & Evelyn Selbe Bess.  His father, who was also known as “Jiggs”, was a fireman with the Charleston Fire Department who tragically lost his life in the Woolworth Department Store fire in 1949. 

Jim was a 1963 graduate of South Charleston High School. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Marshall University in 1968. After his college graduation he married his high school sweetheart, Rebecca S. Whalen and moved to Baltimore, MD to start a life together that lasted until Rebecca’s death in 2021. 

Jim started his career doing research in a lab at Johns Hopkins before moving to Columbus, OH where he transitioned his career to working for Nationwide Insurance Company. He later returned to Huntington, WV where he spent the majority of his career as a VP at Appalachian Life Insurance before retiring from Genworth. 

Jim was the oldest of five children. After the death of his father, Jim was left to be a father figure to his siblings. Over the course of his life, Jim was a father figure to so many. He had such a kind and compassionate heart and he expressed that in all aspects of his life whether he was coaching a Little League team, an elder at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, attending school functions, caring for his family or a spectator at his kids and grandkids ball games and extra curricular activities. Jim was always present for those in need and was a source of inspiration for all his family. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren will always be remembered and cherished.

Jim was preceded in death by father, James Paul Little; mother, Evelyn Selbe Bess; sister-in-law, Betsy Little. Jim is survived by his daughters, Jamie Little and Jennifer Burko (Daniel); sons, James “Jay” Little, III (Crystal) and Josh Little (Tonya); granddaughters, Sydni Burko and Makayla Little; grandson, Dylan Burko; siblings Eddie Little, Rick Dearien (Janet), Cindy Giardina (Frank), Tim Bess (Cheryl); and many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

We are promised in John 3:16, that us believers who put our faith in Jesus Christ will spend eternity with our Father in Heaven and be reunited with our beloved Jim. 

Jim had multiple medical procedures and rehabilitation in his last year of life and the family expresses their appreciation to all the physicians, nurses and therapists  who cared for Jim at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Thomas Memorial Hospital, Encompass Health, St. Mary’s Home Health and Hudak Family Medicine. 

There will be no public services. The family will hold a private celebration to Honor the Life of James Paul Little, Jr. at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Charleston Fire Department.