James William Detar, 73, passed away on Thursday, December 31st, 2015.

Born on December 30th, 1942 in Greensburg, PA. to the late Oscar Detar and Dorothy Detar. When James lost his father when he was 8 years old he had no choice but to grow up fast. By the time he was 13 he was the man of the house. When he was 15 he started working in an auto body shop in order to help provide for his family. James wasn’t scared of hard work. He would often take odd jobs to help make ends meet such as carpentry, masonry and all types of farming.

James, More affectionately known as J.D. or Jim, enjoyed many things that life had to offer, but none more than his time he spent his with family and friends. He especially loved going to his nephew John’s Cabin, and camping in the “Great Outdoors”. He loved any outdoor activity; including camping, fishing, and hunting with his close family and good friends Ernie and Gary. One would say that Jim was a “Master Craftsman”; he could practically build an entire house with his bare hands. He is most proud of the porch he built along with his youngest sons, and the fire-pit he recently started with his son, J.D.. Jim enjoyed vacationing with family; including a cruise to The Bahamas, Scuba diving in the Caribbean, a trip to Atlantic City, Deep Sea Fishing in North Carolina, going to the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee, and the Las Vegas trip, which his wife happened to win at Bingo. He enjoyed living for the moment, and made every day count. His family would describe him as a “no-nonsense, tough as nails man with a heart of gold”. James will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be deeply missed

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 30 years Barbara Detar; three sons: James A. Detar of N. Huntingdon, Pa., James L. Detar, James W. Detar, Jr., both of Va. Bch.; three daughters: Cathy Detar of Norfolk, Janean Breuss of Va. Bch., Christina Brown of San Diego, CA.; five grandchildren; sisters, Agnes Mentz and Janie Detar; brother, Harry Detar , and many more loved ones. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Jeana Detar and his sister, Betty Koebler.

A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 pm, Saturday, January 16th, at Rosewood Memorial Park. 631 N. Witchduck Rd. Virginia Beach, VA 23462. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Chartway Federal Credit Union in memory of James Detar. Please share your condolences with the family at www.FamilyChoiceFunerals.com