James "Screech" William Caniford, 82, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Hospice of the Eastern Panhandle, Kearneysville, West Virginia.

Born January 25, 1941 in Millville, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Hursell W. Caniford and Margaret Louise D'Angelo Caniford.

He was of Christian faith having been raised in Millville United Methodist Church, with subsequent attendance at Saint John's Episcopal Church in Harpers Ferry.

James was retired from the Harpers Ferry Interpretive Design Center, National Park Service, with 34 years of service. He served as an Exhibits Specialist, traveling to numerous national parks overseeing the installation of exhibits in many Visitor Centers. His government career included serving as a Corpsman Leader with the Harper's Ferry Job Corps Center where he helped guide and supported young men less fortunate in life. James was a 32nd Degree Mason at Masonic Lodge 25 and a member of Moose Lodge #948. James was an avid deer hunter, enjoyed karaoke, acting at the old Opera House, horseback riding, and fully supported the River Rats Club of Millville. James loved his family, always most important to him, and supported them, guiding them along their life's journeys.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Shirley Hough Caniford at home, one daughter, Elizabeth Jayne Mumaw, (Rhonda) and one son, William Joshua Caniford, (Kevin) of Harpers Ferry, one grandson, Keenan M. Mumaw (Lauren) and two great granddaughters, Anastasia and Juliet Mumaw, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Shirley Hough, two nephews—Randy and Timothy Hough and brother-in-law William "Sonny" Hough.

Services will be held Monday, August 28, at 2:30PM at the Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia with the Reverend John Unger officiating.

Interment will be at Harper Cemetery, with Masonic honors by Logan Lodge 25, A.F.A.M. on Tuesday, September 5 at 11:00 AM.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, August 27 from 6 to 8 PM.

Friends and family will gather at the home Charmadoah, 675 Cliff Street, Harpers Ferry, following the service.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Panhandle, 330 Hospice Ln., Kearneysville, WV 25430.