James D. Sears, better known as "Tank", of Hinton, West Virginia, passed peacefully into eternity on May 19 ^th , 2019 at the age of 74. Our hearts ache with the loss of this great man, but today we rejoice in knowing that his suffering is over and he is in now in Heaven.

Today, Tank is no longer bound to his wheelchair; instead, he will be running in heaven. He will no longer have to wear his hearing aids; instead he will be able to hear us talk to him and the sound of the angels singing. His vision will no longer be impaired; instead his sight will be clear. There will no longer be any more needles, medicine, or tests to be done. He is free from suffering and pain. There will be no more tears, no more sorrow, no more pain, only joy and peace.

Tank was born in a log cabin on June 6, 1944, in Hinton West Virginia, to the late Thelma Graham. He is preceded in death by his brother Henry Graham and survived by his loving sister Cathy Mooney and her husband James Mooney of Fayetteville, NC.

Tank graduated in the class of 1962 from Hinton High School. While playing football someone said he looked like a Sherman tank going through the line. Since then he went by the nickname of "Tank". He was proud to be a Hinton Bobcat. He also participated in weight lifting and wrestling. He was nominated "Best Sport" of his class. Tank always had a joke or a prank up his sleeve. He kept a special relationship with the class of 1962; he loved to reminisce about the good old days and playing football.

Tank and his devoted wife of 53 years, Wanda Sears of Hinton, WV, were married on February 3 ^rd , 1966. Together they created a family he loved endlessly. Their daughter, Brenda Whiteside, married to James Whiteside of Richmond, VA, have two children. Jenny Whiteside, who is engaged to Mathew Waters, and Jacob Whiteside, who is engaged to Sarah Beltz. Tank and Wanda's son, Steven Sears is married to Michelle Sears and live in Richmond, VA. Steven has a daughter Jessica Sears Gonzales who lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband Brent Gonzales and her daughter Aubree Maurer. Michelle has two boys Cody Falls and Christopher Wright.

Tank worked for Central Contracting Construction Company for 40+ years. His boss, Vern Williamson, was like a brother to him and a life long friend. Together, they helped to build the interstate system from West Virginia to Richmond, Virginia. Not only did he build roads for this job, but he also built many lifetime friendships.

Tank exemplified true character. He was a believer in Christ, great father, hard worker, a man of his word, soft hearted, and full of laughter and mischief. The family would like to send out a very special thank you to all of our family and friends that have been there for us through this difficult journey. We would also like to thank all the doctors and nurses that define the meaning of patient "care". We could not have received more support and care from Princeton Hospital. There will not be a minute that Tank will not be missed, or our hearts will not ache for his presence in our life. We take solace in knowing that all of this is temporary, and we will be reunited with Tank one day soon in Heaven with our Lord.

The family will be receiving friends from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Pivont Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at 11 AM at Pivont Funeral Home, with Pastor Eddie Wills officiating. Burial will follow at the Upland Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

After the funeral there we will be a gathering at Upland Baptist Church to celebrate Tank's life with music and food.

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