James Pinckney Wightman

James Pinckney Wightman, 88, of Blacksburg, Virginia, died peacefully at Roanoke Memorial Hospital on November 20, 2023. Jim was born in Ashland, Virginia on May 14th, 1935 to Helen and William Arthur Wightman. Jim attended public school in both Ashland and Petersburg before beginning post baccalaureate studies at Randolph Macon College. It was during this time that Jim met Juanita, the love of his life, and they were married on June 16th, 1956 in Petersburg. Jim and Juanita were married 63 years, with Juanita passing away in December 2018. Jim furthered his education by obtaining his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in chemistry at Lehigh University. After completing a two-year post-doctorate at Pennsylvania State University, Jim was hired in 1962 as a new faculty member in the chemistry department at Virginia Tech, where he taught courses, guided masters and doctoral-level students, as well as conducted research in the field of adhesive science for 42 years. Among numerous awards for his commitment made to teaching and research, Jim received the Alumni Distinguished Professor Award for excellence in teaching. Jim led an active life. Jim was a member of Blacksburg United Methodist Church, devoted his time and energy to the church. He adored the Christmas season – set up the Wightman family’s 100+ year old miniature Christmas scene, handed out candy canes to strangers while sporting a Santa hat, a holiday-inspired suit, and blinking bowtie. Jim was dedicated to various groups affiliated with Virginia Tech and the broader community such as Sports Club, Torch Club, and volunteered for outreach and engagement initiatives through the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. Jim traveled extensively, often going out of his way to stop and visit with friends and family, even if it was for only 10 minutes. He especially loved his time at the cabin on the Mobjack which reminded him of his childhood at Coles Point on the Potomac River. He is preceded in death by his wife and parents, as well as his brother William Wightman and sisters Jane Howard and Betty Trump. Jim is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Debbie Woods (Rickey) and granddaughter Tanya Ingram (Tommy) and great-grandchildren Laurana and Korbin Tiberius; daughter, Sharon Wightman; son, Bill Wightman (Meg), grandchildren Liam and Alice; son, Jim Wightman, granddaughter Kendal and her mother Becky Wightman. In addition, Jim is survived by a sister-in-law Lorene Perry (Tom), and as well as beloved nieces and cousins. Family was everything for Jim. He would go out of his way to visit, and loved providing fun educational experiences and activities - whether it was sharing with them all the joys that the Chesapeake Bay offered (boating, fishing, crabbing, tubing, blueberry picking) or serving as a guest chemistry lecturer at his grandkids’ daycare, elementary or middle schools, including experiments with helium and other gasses, putting out a fire with earwax, making “elephant toothpaste” and the favorite, liquid nitrogen ice cream. Jim constantly expressed to his family that he had had a good run. He loved life, he enjoyed meeting strangers and friends alike and was constantly on the go. We will be hard pressed to keep up with his legacy. A planned visitation will take place on Thursday, November 30th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home in Blacksburg. The funeral will take place on Friday, December 1st at 1:00 p.m. at Blacksburg United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the “James P. Wightman Scholarship Fund” at Virginia Tech. Checks can be made out to this scholarship and sent to: ATTN: Gift Accounting, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24060 or online [www.give.vt.edu]

James Pinckney Wightman

May 14, 1935 - November 20, 2023