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James Brian Wilberger, 73, of Port Republic, passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at his residence.
Mr. Wilberger was born on Feb. 23, 1938, in Harrisonburg and was a son of the late Winston and Tirza (Saufley) Wilberger.
After graduating from Montevideo High School, Mr. Wilberger joined the U.S. Army and served until 1963. Following his military service, he worked for James Madison University as a boiler room operator for more than 30 years prior to his retirement. He was a lifetime member of Friedens United Church of Christ, where he served on the Consistory Board and was the facilities manager.
Mr. Wilberger loved farming, restoring antique tractors, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, and was an avid woodworker, who could make anything. He also served as a trustee of Shady Grove  Cemetery in Port Republic.
On May 12, 1961, he married the former Sandra Simmers, who survives.
In addition to his wife of 49 years, Mr. Wilberger is survived by a son, Brian Wilberger and wife, Jane, of Churchville, Va.; a daughter, Beth Smith and husband, Herbert, of Dayton; one brother, Barry Wilberger of McGaheysville; and four grandchildren, Emily Wilberger and fiancé, Chris Briggs, of Port Republic, Jason Wilberger of Bridgewater, Justin Smith of Dayton and Travis Wilberger of Churchville. He was preceded in death by a brother, Winston Wilberger Jr., and a sister, Lynn Keys.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Friedens United Church of Christ with the Rev. Paul Seland officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The Wilberger family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grottoes Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1187, Grottoes, VA 24441, or to Friedens United Church of Christ, 3960 Friedens Church Road, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.kygers.com.
Arrangements entrusted to the Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.
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