James Allen Pierce, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully at home on Thursday, April 4, 2013. He was 89. He was born on May 1, 1923, in Albion, Michigan to Jessie McLean and Nathan Francis Pierce. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irene Fretwell Pierce in 2009. Survivors include his stepdaughter, Judith Pugh and her husband, Brian; stepson, James M. Fretwell and his wife, Freda; his grandchildren, Ashleigh Pugh Taylor and her husband, Evan Taylor; Dallas Hunter Pugh; James G. Fretwell; and Daniel C. Fretwell, all of Crozet, Virginia. He is also survived by his very special cousins, Winifred Pierce and her husband Bill of Newport, North Carolina; Anayezuka "Peggy" Ahidiana and Walter Dent of Baltimore, Maryland; and John Dent, of Nottingham, Maryland.

Jim (known to his co-workers as "Slim") was employed for over 40 years in the construction profession in Charlottesville, Virginia, retiring at age 65. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Scottsville, Va.

Jim was a true gentleman with a kind and loving soul, who throughout his life, always put others before himself. Family was very important to him. He was always looking out for others and ready to lend a hand to family and friends. He had a unique sense of humor and a smile that never failed to warm your heart. Jim was also passionate about woodworking, and he shared his love for the craft with his loved ones. To our family he will always be "dad" and "grandpa" and will be truly missed.

The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional services provided over the years by Drs. Timothy McLaughlin and Catherine Casey @ UVA Crozet Family Medicine, Dr. Sue Brown (UVA Endocrinology), Becky Swartz with Continuum Home Health and most recently Marissa Minnerly and Edith Thomas with Hospice of the Piedmont.

A graveside service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2013 at Hillsboro Baptist Cemetery with the Reverend Sam Kellum officiating. Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a contribution in memory of Jim, the family suggests donations to Hospice of the Piedmont or the Charlottesville S.P.C.A.