James “Jim” Earl Ganoe, 75, of Westover, and Romney, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Jim was born April 25, 1949, to Norene and Edward Earl Ganoe in Cumberland, Md.
After graduating from Hampshire High School in 1967, he enlisted in the Navy and faithfully served his country in Vietnam. Jim served on the USS Lofberg DD-759 and USS Arlington AGMR-2, witnessing the return of the Apollo 11 mission and shaking President Nixon’s hand as he boarded their ship.
After his time in the Navy, Jim received his undergraduate degree from Shepherd College and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from West Virginia University.
He later worked as district manager for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. He also worked as a vocational expert for Social Security Disability.
Jim was a devoted father and husband. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and attending every WVU home football game. He managed multiple rental properties and loved being hands-on with projects around the house.
Jim was a proud and devout Christian, whose faith and love for his Lord never wavered. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Madeline Ganoe; his children, Katrina Ganoe and spouse Jaime Pletzke, Jamy Ganoe and spouse Brandy Ganoe, Christopher Ganoe and spouse Cliff Davison, Janelle Ganoe, Natalie Ganoe and fiance Wayne Robertson; his stepchildren, Jessica Kingrea and spouse Dakota Kingrea, Deanna Limerick; his grandchildren, Trinity Cole, Gage Ganoe, Jacob Shanholtz, Jamison and Baylor Ganoe, Wayne and Avery Robertson, Gabriella Johnson, Brayden, Brylee and Braxton Palko, Elijah Limerick, Willow and Cash Kingrea. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Bonnie Cummins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Norene and Edward Earl Ganoe; his brother, Tom Ganoe; and his stepson, Jared Soccorsi.
Friends will be received from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, in Shaffer Funeral Home in Romney, where funeral services for Jim will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5, with friends being received 1-hour prior. Officiating will be Pastor Kenneth Caplinger and Pastor Brian Kingrea. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Romney.
Please consider making contributions, in Jim’s memory, to: Romney American Legion Hampshire Post 91, 154 East Main Street, Romney, WV 26757.
Please direct inquiries to Shaffer Funeral Home, Romney, 304-822-3511.
