James Waitman Cavender, 84, of Charleston went home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2010.

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me..." Psalm 23:4.

He was born January 24, 1926, in Blue Creek, WV, a son of the late James W. and Exie Cavender, and was a lifelong resident of Kanawha County. He is preceded in death by his brother, Furman Cavender, and his sisters, Helen Casto and Lulia Summers Honeycutt.

He was a member of the 4th Marine Division in WWII and a survivor for the battle of Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the proud rank of Corporal.

James was a former Tool and Die Maker at Gravely Tractor Inc. in Dunbar with 25 years of service. He retired from Kaiser Aluminum in Ravenswood, where he was a machinist for 19 1/2 years, and was a member of Local Union 5668. He was a member of the Steelworkers Union for 44 1/2 years. He was an active member of Valley Christian Assembly, Charleston.

James is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary; daughters, Barbara Young and her husband, Brad, of Charleston; Beverly Branson and her husband, Joshua, of Charleston; and brother, Charles Cavender of Texas. He also is survived by three grandchildren, JB (John Byron) Young, James Grant Lares, and Clarissa Alaine Lares, all of Charleston.

The service will be held at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 27, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Philip Dunn officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

He was a loving, devoted husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Our special thanks to all our family and friends for your love, support, and prayers, and to everyone at the Valley Center Transitional Care Unit for your loving care.