James Melton Goins

James “Jimmy” Goins, age 79, of Bluefield, West Virginia, passed peacefully from this life into the loving arms of his savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, October 22, 2026. James was born February 25, 1947, in Mercer County, West Virginia, the son of Glenn and Pearl Goins.

James is survived by two brothers: Harold Goins and Kelly “Flatt” Goins; and one sister: Judy Bragg. Survivors also include his wife of 57 years, Arlene Goins, his daughter, Missy Gail Deem, and her husband Joey, his son, James Bryan Goins, and his wife Sarah, along with 3 grandchildren: Conley David Deem, Caroline Elizabeth Goins, and Catherine Eleanor Goins. He was preceded in death by brothers Melvin, Ray, Walter, Roger, Donnie, and Conley Goins.

James grew up in Bramwell, West Virginia, the 6th of 10 children. In 1965, James graduated from Bramwell High School. After graduation, James heeded the call to serve the country he loved so much and joined the United States Air Force. He did one tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. Amongst all of his life’s accomplishments, being a veteran was perhaps one of his proudest achievements. James would often tell stories of his time in Vietnam, including his participation in the Tet Offensive- one of the largest military campaigns of the Vietnam War. While serving in the Air Force during war time, James made the most important decision of his life; placing his faith in God and being baptized. This faith would carry him throughout the rest of his life. When the war ended, James spoke about the adversity facing American service members as they returned home. Despite the harsh treatment they received, James never wavered in his love for his country and believed firmly that she was worth fighting for.

After his tour in Vietnam, while stationed at Reece Air Force base in Lubbock, Texas, he met his wife, Arlene. They were married August 30, 1969, in Canton, Texas.

Newlyweds, James and Arlene, moved back to Bluefield, West Virginia, in March of 1970. James started his career at West Virginia Armature that year and would retire in 2004, after 34 years of dedicated service.

Despite his long career, what James would become most known for was his singing and bass playing. James and brothers Harold and Conley formed “The Goins Brothers: Second Edition” (a nod to older brothers Melvin and Ray who formed the bluegrass band known as “The Goins Brothers”). From 1978 until 2006, “The Goins Brothers: Second Edition” traveled all over the United States, spreading the gospel of Christ with their music and through the preaching of the Word. Throughout this ministry, James would form meaningful, life-long friendships that would carry on into his son Bryan’s music and preaching ministries. From 2011 To 2021, James often traveled with Bryan playing music and carrying on the family tradition with the next generation.

Last, but certainly not least, James was a man who loved his family. He loved his brothers and sister very much. Always taking time to check on them, take them food, or share his rather larger dress shirt collection! This generosity extended beyond family. Never one to know a stranger, anyone that crossed paths with James was blessed by his caring nature. Most of all, James loved his children and grandchildren, always expressing how proud he was of their accomplishments and sending them gifts, but most importantly he would always let his family know he was praying for them and the importance of putting God first in their lives.

Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday October 27th at Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with funeral services to begin at 2:00 p.m. Ministers Tony Reed and Harold Goins will officiate. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with military honors being performed by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Bramwell Church of Christ.

James’s smile and generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Even while facing various health struggles through the years, James always kept a positive outlook on life. Above all else, James loved God and he loved people as commanded in scripture:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV

Because of his obedience and steadfastness in the faith, we can take comfort today in knowing that James has received his Heavenly reward.

II Timothy 4:6-8 NKJV says:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”