James Candler Bundy

James Candler Bundy reached his journey’s end December 3, 2025. Abingdon lost a true son, and the world lost a kind, intelligent, talented and patient man whose impact will live on for generations.

He was born at Johnston Memorial Hospital in 1949 and raised just a block away on Valley Street where a more adventurous childhood can scarcely be imagined. From building cannons, installing phone networks, piecing together junked cars, to racing go-carts, the streets of old Abingdon were his playground.

After attending Lees-McCray College and Virginia Tech, he received a Bachelor of Architecture and returned to Abingdon to begin his career. During his prolific career, he has designed thousands of buildings in the region including banks, apartments and houses. Unable to be bound behind a desk, he co-founded a construction company, Mountain Inc. with his brother, Robert Bundy. He was a talented woodworker and metalworker, a licensed electrician, a skilled plumber and an accomplished mechanic. In between his time as an architect and contractor, he grew vegetables and tobacco and managed a farm with horses and cattle.

Jim met the love of his life, Olivia (Libby) Gentry, at Abingdon High School. In 1969, they were married and lived together while they finished their college degrees. His love for her was unwavering, selfless, and unbreakable even as he cared for her for decades through a debilitating illness that eventually took her life. They had two children they loved and supported, Matthew and Cora. They and their spouses Alison Burton and Richard Stoakley had four grandchildren, Madelyn, Jack, Henry and Campbell, for whom his reliable adoration and cheering is sadly cut short. He is adored by his sister, Laura B Connely (spouse, Craig Connely) and brother, Robert Bundy (spouse, Mary Gentry).

Jimmy loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, camping, sailing, tennis, and golfing. He was an incredible gunsmith and a marksman that competed in national competitive target shooting events. He was a devoted friend to so many and we will all miss hearing his incredible stories. A giant hole is left where his presence was once felt.