James “Jim” Ray Wampler, 75, of Broadway, Virginia passed away Monday night, October 21, 2024 in his home, surrounded by loving family, after a two year fight with cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Wampler, his children Dan (and Ashley), Nathan, and Wesley (Mirinda Gormley) Wampler, and his special grandchildren, Skylar, Jack, Sam, Avery, Eleanor, and Riley Wampler. He is also survived by his siblings, Sam (and Liz) Wampler, Phyllis K. Thompson, John (and Peg) Wampler, Dottie (and Tom) Grasberger, his siblings-in-law, Rodger Shirkey, Eddie (and Mary Beth) Dove, and Alan Dove, as well as his many beloved nieces and nephews.

Born in Broadway, VA, on February 8, 1949, son of the late Carroll and Alma Wampler, Jim grew up on his family farm and he loved farm life (except for “those darn chickens”). He attended Broadway High School, then got his Bachelor’s at Bridgewater College. At both schools he excelled in basketball and low hurdles and has been inducted into each of their Athletic Halls of Fame. Jim served on the Harrisonburg School Board for eight years and was a public school teacher for two years before attending the Medical College of Virginia for Physical Therapy.

A physical therapist for 49 years, he owned and operated Wampler and Associates Rehabilitation in Harrisonburg, VA. He was known for his gentle nature and tens of thousands of patients were blessed by his caring presence. He believed that all people deserved healing and never turned a single person away for lack of funds. He mentored many young, aspiring physical therapists. He retired from physical therapy in the Spring of 2024.

Jim lived a strong faith all his life, embodied a raging sense of humor, and was a profound healer. He adored family time, music, kayaking, birds, trees, and showed love to all those with whom he came in contact. In choirs all his life, he met his wife, Sharon, in Broadway High School’s chorus and they were married for 54 years. He continued his love of singing, for decades, in the choir at Harrisonburg Baptist Church and for many years in the Rockingham Male Chorus.

Jim was such a light to all those around him, with many benefiting from his “big bear hugs.” He devoted his life to caring for others and was a part of many disaster relief efforts. He served on the Habitat for Humanity board for many years, and facilitated the building of three homes in our community, through Rehab Hands for Habitat, which he founded. In lieu of flowers for the family, we ask that you make a donation to Rehab Hands for Habitat, https://centralvalleyhabitat.charityproud.org/Donate/MiniCampaign/32621

Above all, he loved. His light will shine on in every life he touched; his legacy carried in all of us.

There will be no formal visitation time, however the family would love to hear any stories you have of Jim, which you might send to 2463 Lacey Spring Rd. Broadway, VA 22815.

The memorial service will be held at Harrisonburg Baptist Church at 11:00 AM on November 2, 2024. All are welcome to attend.