Obituaries

James Douglas Puckett (J.D.) passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Forest Rehab in Lynchburg, Va surrounded by his family. J.D. was born in Campbell County on April 23, 1942. He was the son of the late Samuel Letcher Puckett and Maryon Jenks Puckett. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nona M. Puckett, his two children; Patricia P. Marstin (Ronald) and James D. Puckett, Jr. (Maureen), four grandchildren; Taylor M. Carwile (Daniel), Brad Marstin, Cole Puckett and Casen Puckett, two great-grandchildren; Bobby and Ben Carwile. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of 11. He was a faithful member of Falling River Baptist Church for 63 years where he served as Trustee, Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, R.A. Leader, Chairman of the Building Committee for the Sanctuary, Co-Chairman of Balcony Building Committee and Church Clerk for 19 years. He was a 1960 graduate of William Campbell High School and earned his Bachelor Degree in Science in 1964, his Masters Degree in Agriculture Education in 1977, both from Virginia Tech. He taught students in Mecklenburg Co. for 2 years and for 31 years at William Campbell High School for a total of 33 years. He was a beef cattle farmer since 1972.He also served 20 years on the Campbell County Board of Supervisors. During his teaching career he had several students to place in contests on the local, state and national level through the Future Farmers of America organization. He was a member of the State FFA Advisory Council for two 6-year terms. He served as President of the Campbell Co. Educational Assoc. Advisory Council for two 6-year terms. He also served as President of Campbell County Education Association. He was Co-Chairman of the Frazier Sizemore Jr. Scholarship Advisory Board with Lynchburg College. He was the founder of the Campbell County Heritage Festival held annually for several years, he was also an Ex-officio member of Campbell County Social Services Board, he served as liaison to the Community Park Committee, served on the County Planning Commission, served on the Community Services Board, served on the Area Agency on Aging Board, served on Central Va. Mental Health Assoc. Board, served on Campbell Co. Airport Authority, served on Campbell Co. Utilities Services Authority and also served on the Stripers Landing Condo Assoc. Board. He was published in two National Agricultural Ag. Articles as well as in State and local Ag. Articles. He was awarded the National FFA Farmers Award in Kansas City and earned trips for students to compete on the National level 11 times. Students competed in Public Speaking, Forestry and Crops Judging contests. He was a master carpenter and wood working craftsman. J.D. could turn raw wood into practically any type of furniture. He was fortunate to build his home, his children’s homes and other family and friends’ homes with his skills. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, woodworking, beach trips to Nags Head and most of all restoring antique tractors. He loved food from cooking stews, chitterlings and shrimp pots for the family and any kind of sweets and ice cream. Christmas was a special time for him as well. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren put a sparkle in his eyes like he was a child again. There will be a funeral service on Sunday, December 14th at 2pm at Falling River Baptist Church. A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 4pm to 6pm at Henderson Funeral Home in Brookneal, VA. The family will be at his home at other times. All former FFA members are invited to attend and wear their FFA jackets in memory of J.D. Memorial contributions can be made to BEAM or FRBC Meal Ministry or an organization of your choice. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hendersonfuneral.net Henderson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Brookneal, Va. is assisting the family.