PORTVILLE – James David Gheen, 82, formerly of Manassas, VA, and for the past 14 years made his home in Portville, NY, passed away on Tuesday (April 21, 2026), at Wellsville Manor Care Center in Wellsville, NY, following a brief illness.

Mr. Gheen, affectionately known as “JD,” was born on May 30, 1943, in Washington, DC, to James W. and Mae R. (McNabb) Gheen. He was a 1961 graduate of Osbourn High School in Manassas, VA.

JD was called to be an evangelist and pastor. He began his ministry as pastor of Manassas Pentecostal Church in Manassas, where he served for many years. He also owned and operated Gheen Roofing Company in Manassas and was a project foreman for Marriott International’s Construction Division, where he helped oversee the building of hotels, and later worked with Red Robin, where he supervised the construction of restaurants. He later worked as a subcontractor for TTM Technologies in Sterling, VA, serving as a construction manager.

He attended Friendship Church of God in Christ in Friendship, NY, where he became an associate pastor and, in his final two years, served as interim pastor.

JD is survived by his wife of almost 14 years, Cheryl Baca; two sons, James David (Sue) Gheen, Jr. of Edinburg, VA, and Nathaniel W. Gheen of Manassas, VA; one daughter, Pamela (Thomas) Hugill of Bealeton, VA; one sister, Ruth Ann Peregory of Front Royal, VA; three stepchildren, BettyJo Baca, Jadilyne Baca, and Jessica Baca; 13 grandchildren, James David Gheen III, Jessica Pressley, Jonathan Gheen, Karen Norman, Amanda Brady, Stevie Roesch, Christopher Kadel, Jessica Guthrie, Rosaleena Baca, Lilionna Baca, Zaneeya Baca, Davina Baca, and Mycah Baca; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished extended family members, including Samuel Fendley and Donna Gheen.

He was predeceased by his parents, James W. and Mae R. (McNabb) Gheen; two brothers, Larry Gheen and Donald Gheen; one sister, Geraldine Fendley; and one brother-in-law, William Peregory.

JD accomplished much in life. He was a skilled carpenter, a capable businessman, and someone who truly loved people. And by loving people, he was especially gifted at pointing them to his carpenter brother, Jesus Christ. He had a great sense of humor and was never shy—qualities he used to introduce himself, make new friends, and share the message of Christ. When JD entered a room, his personality and confidence brightened it. He was not just the life of the party—he brought life into every room he entered.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday (May 8) from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Family Worship Center, 12077 Marsh Road, Bealeton, VA.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Wellsville/Scio, NY. Online condolences may be offered at http://www.baker-swan.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Family Worship Center, 12077 Marsh Road, Bealeton, VA 22712. Please note “Missions Department – In memory of James Gheen” in the memo.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

JD’s legacy lives on in every life he touched, every laugh he shared, and every person he pointed to Jesus. © 2026 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.