James Emerson Pelfrey, age 87, of Norton, Virginia, formerly of Morehead, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2015, at his residence. Born June 23, 1927, in West Liberty, he was a son of the late Lawrence and Jewell Pelfrey. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Gobel Pelfrey; a sister, Vivian Pelfrey; and a grandson, Brian Neal Pelfrey. His wife of 54 years, Ruth Clarke Pelfrey, preceded him in death on March 7, 2001. Mr. Pelfrey is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, James Dallas and Cindy Pelfrey of Norton, Virginia; four grandchildren, Tracy Todd Pelfrey, Jamala Renee Pelfrey (and husband JeremyFuller), Ciji Bass (and Sam Harris), and James Bass (and wife Sierra Bass); and four great grandchildren, Malakye Harris, Khloe Harris, Morgan Pelfrey, and Keleigh Bass. James served in the Morehead Police Department from 1976 until his retirement in1989. He was Police Chief from 1974-76 and again from 1984 -89. He was also a patrolman and detective during his service. James was a member and retired at age 76 as pastor of East End Church of God in Morehead. Until the end, he was always dedicated to spreading the word of God. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, May 21, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Cecil Ison officiating. Burial will follow in Brown Cemetery. Pallbearers: Tim James, Scott Barker, Sonny Caskey, Bruce Adkins, Joe Anderson, Dale Carpenter, Jerry Machino, and Wales Trent. Visitation is after 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2015, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead. Visitation: Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 6-9 p.m., Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Funeral: Thursday, May 21, 2015, at 1 p.m, Northcutt & Son Memorial Chapel Interment: Brown Cemetery