James Lee Michael, 89, of Cold Spring Road, Morgantown, passed away Tuesday (Aug. 22, 2017) at his home.

He was born Sept. 13, 1927, in Ministers Run, Marion County, a son of the late Weldie Lee Michael and Sarah Ellen "Ella" (Valentine) Michael.

James had been employed as a coal miner for Consolidation Coal Co. Blacksville No. 2 and as a carpenter, but his favorite activity was farming. He was a member of the West Virginia Draft Horse & Mule Association, the West Virginia Farm Bureau and the Monongalia County Livestock Association.

James was also a member of the Morgantown Moose Lodge No. 264 and the Mason Breckenridge Lodge No. 47 AF & AM of Breckenridge, Colorado.

James is survived by one son, James Edward "Butch" Michael and wife Jaye of Morgantown; one daughter, Nora Lee Simcoe and husband Mike of Morgantown; grandchildren, Billie Sue (Michael) Vance and husband Jerry, Jamie Lee (Michael) Ellis and husband Kevin, JoClair (Michael) Morgan and husband Tim, James Paul Michael and fiancée Jacoba Wilson, Joseph Lee Simcoe and fiancée Jessica Nichols, and Sara Elizabeth (Simcoe) Minard and husband Joe; and great-grandchildren, Samuel Clayton Murray, Josilen Laine, Allie Collier Morgan, Myla Kate Morgan, Carly Adeline, Delilah Avery Michael and Sterling Anderson Michael.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Alice (Collier) Michael; three sisters, Edna Lucille Baker, Iva Cloteal DeVault and Billie Eileen Michael; and one brother, Benjamin Luther Michael.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday at the McCulla Funeral Home, 770 Fairmont Road, Morgantown. Pastor Tammy Phillips will be officiating. Burial will follow at Beverly Hills Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McCulla.com.