James Gavin Beyersdorfer of Franklin, WV passed away unexpectedly at the age of 63.

Born on February 13, 1961 in Washington, D.C., he was the son of the late James Richard Beyersdorfer and Margaret Ann (Duffy) Beyersdorfer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Anne Clinton Beyersdorfer, and a brother-in-law, Jeffrey John Shaw.

Gavin grew up in Bethesda, Maryland and attended Walt Whitman High School.  He received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin before embarking on a career as a general contractor.  Never meeting a piece of scrap lumber he didn't like, Gavin was a resourceful and skilled carpenter for over 30 years.  He lived and worked in the Washington, D.C. area while caring for his parents.  After their deaths, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of making a home in West Virginia, where he continued working on projects across Pendleton County.

Gavin was a lover and explorer of the outdoors, often with one of his much loved yellow labs in tow.  His favorite place was his North Fork Mountain property, where he studied animal tracks, feuded with bears, and flagged the locations of lady slipper orchids so as not to disturb them with one of his many construction projects.

He was a devoted and deeply loved son, brother, uncle and friend.  Always ready to provide his support, Gavin helped care for his parents, sister, and brother-in-law at the end of their lives.  He was a kind and steady presence in the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by -

His sister -

Marcella Ann Beyersdorfer of Petersburg, WV

And two nieces -

Casey Lee Shaw of Miami, FL

Erin Duffy Shaw of Richwood, WV

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to your local volunteer fire department or a charity of choice.