James Richard Brill

James R. Brill

     KEYSER, WV- James Richard Brill, 83, of 95 “E” Street, Keyser, died Saturday, September 27, 2008 at his home.       

     Born on April 14, 1925 in Petersburg, WV, he was the son of the late Albert and Ruth (Rinehart) Brill.  He was also preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Colleen K. (Wilson) Brill on October 20, 2006; an infant son, James Richard Brill, Jr.; and two sisters, Genevieve Brill and Mildred (Brill) McDonald. 

     Mr. Brill was drafted into the Navy from high school.  He attended electrical school at Iowa State College as part of his Naval training.  He was an Electrician’s Mate Third Class and served during World War II from August 25, 1943 and was honorably discharged on May 17, 1946.  Jim worked for the B & O Railroad from 1950 to 1955.  He worked briefly at Allegheny Ballistics Laboratory before going to work at Westvaco where he worked in the 8 & 9 Calendar Room and retired after 24 years of service.  He was a member of VFW Post 3418 Nancy Hanks, Keyser. 

     Surviving are his daughter, Jo Ellen Halterman and husband, Arthur, of Baker, WV; two sons, Steven Brill and wife, Michelle of Keyser; Michael Brill, of Franklin, WV; and six grandchildren, Jane Halterman of Baker, WV, Ashlie, Hannah and Corey Brill of Keyser, Amber Brill of Augusta, WV, and Derek Shaffer of Keyser; two brothers, Jerry Brill and wife, Wanda, and Doug Brill, one sister, Betty Brill, all of Petersburg, WV; and  in-laws, Henry and Glenna Deneault, of Eustis, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.  

     Friends will be received on Thursday, October 2, 2008, at Grace United Methodist Church, 30 S. Mineral Street, Keyser, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.  A memorial service will be held following the visitation on Thursday, October 2, at 7:00 p.m. with the Reverend James A. McCune officiating.

     At Mr. Brill’s request, his body was donated to the Human Gift Registry of WV University in Morgantown, WV.  A private grave side service will be held at a later date at the Lahmansville Cemetery, Lahmansville, WV.                                      

     In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 40, Keyser, WV 26726 or to the Landes Arts Center, 18 Mt. View Street, Petersburg, WV 26847.

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