Obituary of James Joseph "Jim" Archer

James Joseph ‘Jim’ Archer, 69, passed away at Ruby Memorial Hospital on June 2, 2024. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 28, 1954, a son to the late James Joseph Archer and Veronica Elizabeth McLaughlin Archer. He is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Thelma “Taffy” Cline Fuhs Archer. Additionally, Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Karen Cecilia Hemmerle Archer, his son, Christopher Shawn Archer, his daughter, Kelley Anne Archer, and his sister, Sr. Anne Marie Archer. In addition to his wife Taffy, he is survived by his children, Karen Cecilia ‘KC’ Archer of Bridgeport, WV, James Joseph ‘Jimmy’ Archer and his wife Rachel of Cedar Park, TX, Andrew Patrick Alexander Archer and his wife Delaney of Morgantown, WV, Shelly Hart and her husband Mike of South Point, OH, and Carrie Garrison and her husband Bo of Moundsville, WV, his cherished grandchildren, Veronica, Kaitlyn, Bethany, Sean, Christopher, Benjamin, Molly, Logan, Brannon, Kinsley, Arya, Oliver, Brier, Jimmy, Julie, and Gabe, and his sisters, Veronica ‘Bonnie’ and Eddie Lacey of Tamarack, FL, and Maureen and John Lohse of Franklin, TN. Jim was born and raised in Brooklyn NY and moved his family to West Virginia in 1991 accepting a position with the Grumman Aerospace Corporation as Plant Manager of their newly constructed assembly plant. Jim graduated from Aviation High School in Queens, NY and began a long career in aerospace manufacture for Northrop Grumman with over 29 years of service. Jim also served as a project manager for F.M.W. and Aurora Flight Sciences later in his career. Jim has been involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal since 1975 when he was prayed with for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Jim’s life was forever changed that day as the unconditional love of God was poured into his heart. Jim has served the Lord since out of gratitude in what he refers to as, “Hisheart Ministries” (Formed by the heart of God to present His Heart!). He was a member of the Pastoral Service Team for the renewal in West Virginia and the National Service Committee Counsel where he was Chair of the Young Adult Working Group. Jim was known for both attending and speaking at many events for over 40+ years and was very passionate serving as a projects manager for the Renewal after retiring from his aerospace career. Jim was an active member of the All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport, WV and worked for many years with the Teens Encounter Christ organization giving his talents and time and sharing his faith with young people. He was a 4th Degree Knight within the Knights of Columbus, and also served on the Board of Directors as development director of The Ark and the Dove World Wide. Jim was extremely zealous in his love for Jesus Christ. He deeply loved his community, his family, and his church. Jim achieved some internet fame in the early 2000s for his role as a singer in the Christian band Sonseed, whose song ‘Jesus is a Friend of Mine’ received a revival of interest and gained millions of video views almost thirty years after it’s original release. He was affectionately referred to as ‘the groovy guy’ by hundreds of thousands of people around the world as they interacted with the live performance video of the band playing that song from a 1982 television performance. He was even- amazingly enough - made into a Lego because of this video. He also had a special love for his 1972 Yellow Volkswagen Super Beatle. The family has entrusted the arrangements to the Ford Funeral Home, Allen Chapel, 215 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330. Friends will be received at All Saints Catholic Church, 317 East Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330 on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 PM. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated in the church on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11 AM with Reverend Father Walter Jagela presiding. The interment will follow in the Bridgeport Cemetery. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com