Jim F. Comstock (1911–1996)

Born into a large family in Richwood, WV, Jim Comstock developed a love of books and writing while very young. After graduation from Marshall University, he taught in public school. During World War II, he briefly worked in a factory, then joined the Navy, serving as a decoder in Guam. He attained the rank of Lieutenant. As a journalist, he contributed to several newspapers before starting the West Virginia Hillbilly, a newspaper that combined news, humor, and articles pertaining to the history and culture of the state and its people. With the West Virginia Heritage Foundation, he compiled and edited some 50 volumes of West Virginia Heritage materials that are prized today by historians and genealogists. This project took 20 years, and 3000 sets were produced; all sold. Jim married Julia Ola Stowers, and they had two daughters and one son. Jim's autobiography, published in 1982, is Seven Decades.