The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park

The Life and Art of
JAMES E. TRUE
Southwest Virginia Museum's First Curator
HIS OTHER INTERESTS

James loved to paint and draw, but he had a large interest in heraldry. He researched his family genealogy and became engrossed with the Old English ways. He enjoyed researching family's coats of arms, fly fishing and archery. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Big Cherry Archery Club in Big Stone Gap.

RETIREMENT

On June 30, 1974, after having been the curator of the Southwest Virginia Museum for 28 years, James True retired and moved to Erwin, Tennessee. He wanted to spend time with his wife, four children, and their eleven grandchildren.

HIS LAST DAYS

James continued to paint after his retirement. He was listed in "Who's Who in the South and Southwest" in 1975. James also joined the Watauga Valley Art League, the W Erwin Art League, and the Bristol Art and Roanoke Fine Arts Club. He continued to teach art from time-to-time. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

James True passed away in February 1977, and was laid to rest in Erwin, Tennessee.

THANK YOU

The Southwest Virginia Museum would like to thank Bob and Danny True and
Francie True Cannon, for sharing their father's life story with us.