James D. Lord
James D Lord, passed away peacefully in the early morning of May 16, 2025, in his home with his wife Christie holding his hand.
Jim was born June 11, 1956, in Wise, VA to his loving parents Jim and Doris Lord. When reminiscing, he viewed his childhood as perfect. Jim grew up in Weirton, WV and moved to Danville, VA in high school. He frequently spoke of old friends and good times in both locations.
Jim received his undergraduate degree from Averett University in Danville, VA and went on to Virginia Commonwealth University where he earned his Master's Degree in Finance. He enjoyed being a DJ at Averett’s radio station. Many fun times created lots of great stories during his DJ days.
Jim adored his children and grandchildren. He reflected frequently on Swim Meets with Dayna, Horse Shows with James and attending Patrick’s parades at Hargrave Military Academy. Being a father was a great joy to him. Jim was incredibly proud of the lives his children built, the partners in life they chose and the success they gained.
As a grandfather, he enjoyed giving Brinley her first Jeep for her second birthday and seeing Elsie the day of her birth in 2019. Ezra’s birth in 2024 was the highlight of the year. Spending time with Ezra and watching videos of him sent by James was a favorite pastime. He looked forward to giving Ezra his first horse.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Christie Lasater Lord who was his best friend, business partner and Jim was the love of her life. They loved to travel. Montana, Arizona, Chicago and Provincetown are just a few of their favorite memories. Christie was invited to the Hunting Cabin for his yearly hunting trip with friends that he loved, Dustin, Bobby and Adam. Jim was very proud that she was the only girl invited. The day after his hunting trip, Thanksgiving Day, he immediately started planning for the next year’s hunting trip. Movies, cooking together, playing with their dogs, eating out, sitting outside listening to music, playing golf, listening to books and just sitting and talking filled their wonderful days together.
Jim loved sports and the Cowboys were his favorite team. Sunday afternoons in the fall were always spent watching football. NASCAR, golf, hockey and college basketball were all close seconds to the Cowboys. As well, a tradition of attending Major League Baseball games once a year began with the Atlanta Braves and most recently the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Jim also loved animals. His dad brought home his first pony, Sandy, when he was six. He rode five gaited horses competitively at his grandmother’s home each summer growing up. He passed his love of horses along to James and treasured all of the trips, no matter how far, to see James barrel race. Maggie, Jim and Christie’s standard poodle accompanied them daily to the office in Knoxville, TN. Most recently, Dillon, another standard poodle, provided Jim with lots of entertainment and affection and kept his feet warm at night - Dillon’s slept on Jim’s feet.
Jim was a savvy businessman. He led several companies to success. In 2010, he and Christie started Optimal Medical Management. In 2013, they moved to Knoxville, TN to grow Optimed, their shortened name for the business. Jim led with fairness, grace and determination. He frequently said, “I might not always hit the ball, but I never quit swinging for the fence.” He was admired and respected by his employees, business associates and all who knew him.
Jim and Christie were members of Concord United Methodist Church in Knoxville, TN. After moving back to North Carolina in 2023 they enjoyed visiting local churches, watching Concord Methodist on YouTube and the Bishop TD Jake’s on Sunday mornings.
Those who knew Jim were well aware of his love of telling jokes. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He loved to eat a great meal, attend live performances and spend time with family and friends. Jim loved going to the lake. Many fun, long, lazy days boating were spent at Lake Gaston and Tellico Lake in Knoxville, TN
Jim is survived by his wife, Christie Lasater Lord; his daughter Dayna Rene O’Byrne and husband Steven; his son James David Parker and husband Wesley; his son Patrick Joseph Butto Lord; his granddaughters Brinley Grace O’Byrne, Elsie James O’Byrne; his grandson Ezra Alexander Parker. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Wilacey Lord and Doris McAmis Lord, his sister Chrys Ann Lord Verry and his brother Richard Bradford Lord.
Jim was an incredibly generous man. He made sure his mother had all that she needed and wanted. He insisted on contributing to Christie’s grandmother’s assisted living needs. Donations were made monthly to Tunnel to Towers, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children and the ASPCA.
Funeral Services will be held on May 21, 2025, at 11:00 in the morning At Norris Funeral Home - West End, Danville, VA The family will host visitors before the service beginning at 10:00.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity listed above or your favorite charity or church.
