Can a life truly be measured in years, or is it the indelible marks left on the hearts of those who remain? The passing of James Kulchar, at the age of 97, serves as a poignant reminder that a life, well-lived, echoes far beyond the confines of earthly existence.

Thursday, December 29, 2022, marked the day James Kulchar, a resident of North Tazewell, Virginia, breathed his last at his home. His journey began on October 1, 1925, in Caretta, West Virginia, as the son of Andrew and Helen (Pachey) Kulchar. His was a generation that witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the devastation of global conflicts, and the transformative power of technological advancements. James's story is intertwined with the threads of American history, a testament to resilience, duty, and the enduring spirit of the human heart.

His service to the nation during World War II in the U.S. Navy underscores a commitment to a higher purpose. The echoes of the Second World War are still heard around the world. The sacrifices made during the war cannot be forgotten.

Category	Details
Full Name	James Kulchar
Age at Death	97 years
Date of Birth	October 1, 1925
Place of Birth	Caretta, WV
Date of Death	December 29, 2022
Place of Death	North Tazewell, VA
Parents	Andrew Kulchar and Helen (Pachey) Kulchar
Military Service	U.S. Navy, World War II
Residence	North Tazewell, VA
Reference	Find A Grave

The legacy of James Kulchar is now etched into the annals of memory, a testament to a life lived with purpose and dedication. He joins the ranks of countless others who have shaped the tapestry of our world, their stories woven into the grand narrative of humanity.

The Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home, a cornerstone of service in the Tazewell and surrounding areas for over 120 years, stands as a solemn reminder of the cyclical nature of life. Their commitment to "service with sincerity," as emblazoned on their banner, is not merely a slogan but a guiding principle. They are located at 232 Ben Bolt Ave in Tazewell, Virginia 24651. Their long-standing presence underscores the importance of community and the enduring need for compassion in times of sorrow.

The same community also bore witness to the passing of Olinger, who passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Commonwealth Assisted Living in Hillsville, Virginia, with his loving wife of 56 years and family by his side. Born November 4, 1927, in Bluefield, Virginia, he was a son of the late Thomas Habern. A life shared with his wife, a family surrounded, speak to the bonds of love and commitment that define the human experience. These people, like James Kulchar, have stories that matter and deserve to be remembered.

Category	Details
Full Name	Olinger
Age at Death	89 years
Date of Birth	November 4, 1927
Place of Birth	Bluefield, VA
Date of Death	March 7, 2017
Place of Death	Hillsville, VA
Parents	Thomas Habern

Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home's history is intricately woven into the fabric of Tazewell County. Founded in 1898 as a harness business, it quickly evolved into a multifaceted establishment, incorporating a hardware/furniture store and, notably, a funeral parlor. The founders, William E. Peery and St. Clair, both Tazewell County natives, recognized a need within the community and adapted to meet the changing demands of the times. Their foresight and commitment paved the way for a legacy that continues to provide solace and support to countless families.

The funeral home's role extends beyond the practicalities of arranging services. It also serves as a sanctuary, a place where communities gather to mourn, remember, and celebrate the lives of those they have lost. The upcoming service for James Kulchar, a memorial to celebrate his life, exemplifies this role. The services for November 4, 2024, with the Reverend Lonnie Johnson officiating, followed by burial at Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon, Virginia, at 1:30 pm, are further examples. They are moments of reflection and remembrance.

The role of Peery & St. Clair extends beyond the arranging of services. The family will receive friends from 10 am until 11 am on Friday, September 27, 2019, at Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, VA, where a celebration of his life memorial service was conducted at 11 am with the Reverend Dr. officiating. Final disposition was cremation. These are moments of reflection and remembrance, offering solace and support to the grieving. These services provide a framework for honoring the lives of those who have passed and offer comfort to those who remain.

In the same vein, the passing of Melvin, 87 of Springville, VA, on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC, also warrants reflection. Born May 24, 1931, at Gratton, VA, he was a son of the late Bill and Arlie Virginia Melvin. His service as a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the 82nd Airborne, stands as a testament to his bravery and dedication. These lives, though distinct, share the common thread of human experience the joys, the sorrows, the triumphs, and the sacrifices. The solemnity of the occasion serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment.

Category	Details
Full Name	Melvin
Age at Death	87 years
Date of Birth	May 24, 1931
Place of Birth	Gratton, VA
Date of Death	June 14, 2018
Place of Death	Durham, NC
Parents	Bill and Arlie Virginia Melvin
Military Service	U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne

The sheer number of lives touched by Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home is a powerful statement. The team deals with many people at their most vulnerable. The firm's work is an example of compassion. The ability to provide comfort and guide families through the grieving process is invaluable. They assist the families during the difficult times of losing loved ones.

The recurring theme of loss and remembrance is further underscored by the statistic that thousands of teenagers experience the death of a loved one each year. This underscores the universality of grief and the critical role that funeral homes and communities play in offering support and guidance. These services are very important for the families.

The phrase "Peery & St. Clair funeral home | service with sincerity since 1898" is more than just a tagline. It is a summary of the institution's mission. It is a pledge to treat each family with dignity, respect, and genuine care. The funeral home's longevity in Tazewell and the surrounding areas speaks to its ability to adapt and endure, becoming an integral part of the region's history.

The indemnification clause, which requires users of the website to "indemnify, defend, and hold harmless" Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home and its affiliates, is a standard legal practice. It protects the business from potential liabilities. These are very important steps for any business.

In closing, the narratives of James Kulchar, Olinger, Melvin, and the enduring presence of Peery & St. Clair Funeral Home serve as profound reminders of the human experience. These stories remind us of the importance of community, service, and compassion. These are timeless values that continue to shape our world.