James Eldridge Marshall

James Eldridge (Tolley) Marshall, 90, of Buchanan passed away peacefully at his home on November 9, 2013 with his family by his side. Born to Frank and Nell Marshall on Ground Hog Day, Eldridge lived all his life in Buchanan. His childhood home was within walking distance of the house he built for his family in the late 1940's. In between the two homes was the original Marshall Brothers Dairy which he and his brothers, Billy and Gerald, owned and operated for over 50 years and where he acquired the nickname 'Tolley' that stuck with him through life. In 1949 Eldridge met and married his life partner, Elizabeth Trent. They were happily married for 62 years until her death in 2011. They were loyal members of Trinity United Methodist Church. In addition to being a husband, father and dairyman, Eldridge was a man of the earth. From childhood he enjoyed roaming the woods, fields and creeks, fishing and hunting. He was an avid gardener who not only filled his own pantry, freezer and smoke house, but also enjoyed giving boxes and baskets of fresh produce -- plus his special pound cakes -- to friends, neighbors and those in need. Eldridge had an irresistible smile, an irrepressible sense of humor and never met a stranger. Eldridge was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth; his sister Doris and husband Warren Stevens; and his brother Billy and wife Jackie. Eldridge was especially proud of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Anne M. Lewit and her husband Robert of Christiansburg; son J. Irvin Marshall and his wife Rosemary of Fishersville; brother Gerald Marshall and his wife Linda of Buchanan; grandchildren Brittani Lewit-Puchalla and her husband Joel, Christopher A. Lewit and his wife Kristen, and Laura E. Lyons. The family especially appreciates the loyal attention of his many special nieces and nephews which included lawn mowing, garden plowing, snow removal, fence building, cattle rustling, hair cutting, bread baking, meal delivery, oyster gifting, deer meat providing, produce sharing and frequent visiting, which Eldridge especially enjoyed. The family would like to give special recognition to his long term caregivers, Nancy Britt and Sarah Irwin, and special thanks to Good Samaritan Hospice. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be considered to Trinity United Methodist Church, PO Box 206, Buchanan VA 24066; or Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke VA 24018. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Buchanan with Pastor Doug Mitchell and Minister of Students JR Graybill officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Buchanan. The family will receive friends Wednesday, November 13, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home, 14920 Lee Highway, Buchanan, VA.