John Collins McCurdy

Alderson-John Collins McCurdy, 92, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022.  

Born July 30, 1929, at Lexington, VA, he was the son of the late Collins Chaffin and Ruth (Fitzgerald) McCurdy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Pearl Butcher McCurdy; and a son, David Dare McCurdy.

After receiving his education in West Virginia and Virginia, he began his career with the Federal Prison Service in Ashland, KY.  John later transferred to the Federal Reformatory for Women in Alderson. Except for a short transfer to Petersburg, VA as a Training Manager, he spent his entire career at Alderson before retiring in 1980 with 27 years of service.  He remained active after retirement with the federal prison system as a consultant

During John’s career, he served as a guest instructor for the F.B.I. Academy at Quantico, VA and U.S. Navy Corrections in Norfolk, VA. He provided presentations about these temporary assignments to the Central Office of the Bureau of Prisons.  He also conducted audits of training programs at various institutions in addition to being a hostage negotiator. 

John was a member of the F.C.I. Alderson Rifle and Pistol Team and the Southeast U.S. Regional Team.  He competed in the Attorney General’s match and was a perennial member of the West Virginia State Pistol Team.

John served his community in many capacities during his life. He was a former member of the Alderson City Council and served multiple terms as the Town Recorder. He also sat on the first Board of Directors for the Renaissance Building Planners. John was active in youth activities as well and was one of the first Little League Baseball coaches in the area.

John was a member of Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church and a member of the Alderson Masonic Lodge #70 AF&AM.

John is survived by his sons, Collins Bryan McCurdy and his wife Doris, of Greenville and Robert Edward Lee McCurdy and his wife Elaine, of Alderson; grandson, Patrick Collins McCurdy and wife Pam of Marlinton; great-grandson, Garrett Collins McCurdy, of Fairmont; granddaughter, Emma McCurdy of Madison, WI; his brother, Sidney Lee McCurdy and wife Lora of Hopewell, VA; his sister, Elizabeth Burch, of Lexington, VA; as well as several loving nieces and nephews.  

In keeping his wishes, John will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.   

Condolences and memories may be shared with the McCurdy family online at www.lobbanfh.com

Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson, WV.