James E. Snelling, 72, died on June 22, 2015 at his home in Royalton, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born just over the mountain, at Grammy Jones's homestead on Happy Hollow, on August 6, 1942. He was the son of Kenneth Snelling and Vivian (Jones) Snelling. He graduated from South Royalton High School in the class of 1960, and a sense of inexhaustible curiosity drove him to self-educate throughout his life. He passed a love for literature on to his children. He served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War, returning to Royalton after his discharge, where he owned and operated a drywall business for many years.

He loved restoring classic cars, hunting, fly fishing, fine wine, and his wife of 49 years, Nancy (Movelle) Snelling. They were married on October 11, 1965 and raised seven children: Jean Snelling of Waterbury VT, Michelle Grussinger of Port Washington NY, James Snelling Jr. of Bethel VT, Sabra Durkee of Royalton VT, Jason Snelling of Bethel VT, Katrina Smith of Burke VA and Barbara Bishop of Guernsey, UK. He is also survived by ten grandchildren ranging in age from 21 to 4, all of whom would like to hear him tell them not to run in the house or slam the damn door one more time. His grandchildren remained a constant source of happiness to him. Their joy in him never diminished.

To friends and family, his door was never closed regardless of hour or need. He taught us the inherent grace in sharing the burdens of others and the wisdom of getting on along about it. He loved nothing so much as his family, and his family loved nothing so much as him. He was the largest personality in any room. He was born of the mountain, and like it, he endured.

He is missed.

He is survived by two brothers, Nate Snelling of Prospect Hills, NC and Ben Snelling of South Royalton, VT. He is now reunited with his brother Kenneth Snelling and his sister Rebecca Snelling.

May he walk in the next world on a country road under the cool shade of oaks and sugar maples. May he fish brook trout in the early morning with those who went before. May he live in one single moment of perfect joy.

Our grief endures in quiet ways and changes the landscape in profound ones. He is forever our father, our brother, and our mother's beloved. We are grateful for him. May we harbor his fighting spirit, his wisdom, and his grace in the secret places inside us, and may it sustain us in the years before we are together again.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, June 26 at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Junction, VT from 6-8 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Office of Development, Shriners Hospitals for Children®, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA.