James Roosevelt Lilly, 79, of North Garden, passed away on Saturday July 28, 2012 at his residence. He was born on July 2, 1933 in Albemarle County to the late Clarence Roosevelt Lilly and Martha Jane Sprouse Lilly. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Lewis E. Lilly and his sister Martha A. Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Myrtle Anne Lilly, and by their children Debra Anne Mawyer and her husband Joey, Clarence “Billy” Lilly and his wife Tamela, and Jason Patrick Lilly and his girlfriend Kim Watson. Also surviving him are his siblings Percy W. Lilly, and Barbara J. Gibson, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

He graduated from the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in 1955. He worked for the Virginia Industry for the Blind for 21 years; he also owned and operated Lilly’s Chair Reseating for 55 years.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00pm Saturday August 4, 2012 at Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in North Garden, VA with the Reverend Elizabeth Buxton and the Reverend Ricky Clatterbuck officiating.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Legacy Hospice for their compassionate care, especially Linnea, Michelle, Carolyn and David.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Legacy Hospice at 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 180, Charlottesville VA, 22911.