ORA JAMES (OJ) BAYS

Months of physical struggles for Ora James (OJ) Bays, age 69, ended on July 16, 2024 when he entered the Heavenly Realm with his passing at Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital in Kingsport, TN.

OJ was a retired rural mail carrier who spent his later years in a log house he built at the Lawson Family Home place on Bull Run. He was a graduate of J.J. Kelly High School in Wise, VA where he was a member of the Football Team. He was introduced to fishing at a young age by his father and older brothers that led to becoming a master fly fisherman on the mountain streams of Southwest Virginia, often fishing with his lifelong friend William Steele.

OJ was preceded in death by his parents, W.G. and Kathleen Bays, brothers W.G. Bays Jr. and Bob Bays, and sister-in-law Beth Bays. He is survived by his sister Becky Massie (Robert), brothers Coy Bays, Fred Bays (Teressa), and Scott Bays (Marsha), sister-in-law Jean Bays; aunt Cora Lee Lauderback; nieces Jessie Massie, Meagan Clark (Nate), and Kim Phillips Bays (Jeff); nephews Jeremy Massie (Elizabeth) and Eric Phillips (Tigi). OJ is also survived by his long time companion Deborah Beverly.

Other survivors include great nieces Annabelle Massie, Millie Clark, and Kim Phillips; great nephews Luke Massie, Parker Clark, Landon Bays, Kade Bays, and Josh Phillips. The family would like to thank OJ’s primary caregiver through his illness, Erica Simmons, for her compassion and excellent care and Rebecca Elliott for her assistance and friendship.

OJ requested no funeral and cremation of his remains, and that his ashes be placed at rest at two of his favorite trout streams. An informal remembrance and gathering to commit his ashes will be held at a later date in August. If you would like to provide a remembrance in honor of OJ, please give to Trout Unlimited or the charity of your choice.