James “Donald” West, 72, of Hayes, passed peacefully on June 12, 2019, with family by his side.

Donald was a native of Guinea who was a passionate waterman for most of his life and Captain of his beloved boat “Lady Diane.” He also served his country proudly in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was retired from the Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown.

His legacy lives on through his wife of 49 years, Diane M. West; his children, Kristy Champion (David), Jeni Bonniville (Jeremy), and Matthew West (Melissa). He was the proud Paw Paw to Makayla, Kyndall and Dalayni Champion; Trevor, Jaqueline, Tanner and Westin Bonniville, and Kaitlyn “Cupcake” West; brothers, William “Bruce” West, Richard “Dickey” West and David “Dukey” West; a host of nieces and nephews, as well as many “adopted” family members whom Donald and Diane lovingly influenced.

A funeral service conducted by the Rev. Richard Whiteheart was at 2 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2019, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Entombment was at Windsor Gardens Mausoleum with military honors. The family received friends Sunday, June 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

In memory of Donald, contributions may be given to the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 58, P.O. Box 58, Gloucester, Va. 23061, or the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, Va. 23061. 

Arrangements under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home and Crematory, Gloucester Point. Please visit www.hoggfh.com to share condolences and memories.