James Edward “Poss” Bolling, 81, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, passed away on June 25, 2026, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
James was born in Appalachia, Virginia, to Edward and Stella Bolling on September 2, 1944. He grew up in Appalachia and Big Stone Gap, where he graduated from Powell Valley High School in 1962. He received the nickname “Poss” when he was chosen next-to-last for a pick-up baseball game in elementary school, and the team captain said, “I’ll take that little ‘un that looks like a possum.” He wasn’t wild about the nickname, but it stuck.
Poss attended the University of Kentucky, where he played football from 1962 to 1965. He later completed his bachelor’s degree at Clinch Valley College and earned a master’s degree at Union College. In 1966, James joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1970.
James married the love of his life, Nancy Bouton Bolling, on June 25, 1972. He worked as a coal miner before beginning a career in public education that would be the calling that shaped his life.
In 1974, he began teaching at Powell Valley High School and earned his most beloved nickname, “Coach,” working with student athletes in sports including football and wrestling. In 1982, he coached the Powell Valley Viking football team to victory in the Virginia High School League state championship. Poss worked as the assistant principal at Powell Valley and later at Appalachia High School before retiring as director of secondary education of the Wise County school system in 2002.
Poss was deeply rooted in his faith and humbly served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at East Stone Gap Baptist. He enjoyed fishing, dogs, golf, and working in his garden. But few things brought him as much joy as telling tales with his beloved friends and family.
James leaves behind his cherished wife, Nancy Bolling; his son Ben Bolling and son-in-law Jon Cochran. He is also survived by his siblings Dan Bolling and Cheryl Bryington, along with many beloved extended family members and precious friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Stella Bolling.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mountain Empire Older Citizens’ Children’s Services, P. O. Box 888, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
The family will receive friends 11:00AM- 1:00PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Gilliam Funeral Home, 618 Wood Ave. W., Big Stone Gap, VA. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 1:00PM with Dr. Lonnie Brooks officiating. Burial will follow at Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, 5650 Powell Valley Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA.
Pallbearers will be Earl Jackson, Brian Jackson, Wayne McKinney, Troy Chandler, Brian Hughes, and John Snodgrass. The Coach asked that all former students and football players be recognized as honorary pallbearers.
Coach Bolling will be remembered for his profound love for his family, friends, and community. His legacy endures through his students and the lives he touched through service.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of James Bolling. To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit Gilliam Funeral Home's website or Facebook page.