PRINCETON - — James "Jimmy" Scott Mayberry, Sr., 95, died peacefully May 25, 2025, at The Havens Assisted Living, 2205 New Hope Rd., Princeton, WV. He was born July 12, 1929, in Independence VA, and was the son of the late Rev. Zebrum Flanoy Mayberry and Mona Arbell Poff Mayberry. He graduated from Matoaka High School and Concord College with a degree in Political Science. He was an agent for the Prudential Insurance Company for over 42 years, winning many sales awards and trips all over the US and foreign countries. He was a hard worker, having grown up through the depression era of the 1930's. He loved to remind others that his first job was at age 9 as custodian at Sandlick, (WV) school; was paid $5 a month for stoking the coal stove, sweeping and oiling the floors, shoveling snow, and cleaning the outdoor toilets. At one time he owned two farms and raised cattle and hay. He knew how to "call up" his herd rattling a feed bucket — the cows surely followed. Summers were filled with making hay and a lot of sweat.

He was a founding member of the Sun Valley Ruritan and, having learned to play the fiddle, would entertain folks at Pie Auctions and other community gatherings. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living member at Painters Chapel Church. He served as the church lay leader and would "fill in" and preach at other local churches. In his 40's he attended the Mendenhall School of Auctioneering and became a very popular local auctioneer and real estate agent in Mercer County. "Jimmy" was still selling real estate at age 85 until health issues forced his retirement. In his 90's he became an avid supporter of WVU basketball and football teams.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Zara Rosemary "Rosie" Ridinger Mayberry, sisters, Mary Shoda, Margaret Weatherford, and Ruth Elmore. Survivors include two children, James "Scott" Mayberry, Jr., (Lynn) of Athens, WV, and Carla "Lynn" Hanchock (Don) of Princeton, WV; Grandsons Dustin W. Hanchock, (Jessica), of Mt. Juliet, TN, and Todd C. Hanchock of Pleasant View, TN; great grandchildren, Kayleigh, Bryson and Trenten Hanchock. He was very fond of his two nieces Patricia Ridinger of Patton, PA, Cynthia Ridinger DelSignore of Pittsburgh, PA. He had a special bond with his nephew, James Elmore, and loved seeing his great nephew, Seth Elmore. Both reside near Charlottesville, VA.

A service to celebrate a well-lived life will be held at Memorial Funeral Directory 654 Athens Road, Princeton, on Friday, May 30 at 2:00 PM. Retired United Methodist Pastor, Scott Mayberry, will officiate. Friends may visit with the family prior to the service from noon until time of service at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow the celebration of life at Resthaven Memorial Park in Princeton.

Scott and Carla Lynn express their gratitude and high regard for the loving care and kindness our father received from the staff at The Havens. He considered these folks his second family. We remain grateful for the caring staff from Amedisys Hospice. We also recognize and are grateful for Mr. Larry Skeens who remained dad's business associate, close friend, and confidant for decades.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.

The Mayberry family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.