Vain Jameson Colby

BLUEFIELD—Vain Jameson Colby, 58, went home to Heaven on Saturday, December 31, 2022.  He passed quietly and peacefully while watching a favorite movie with his husband (together 26 years), Jim Jenks, at their home on Frederick Street.

Born August 23, 1964, in Welch, WV. Vain was the son of the late James Sr. and Loretta (Gentry) Brooks. He graduated from Northfork High School in 1983 and entered the United States Army 5th Group Special Forces Support Unit where he served as a medical administrator. Vain also was a paratrooper participating in many "jumps" from planes during his duty. Vain was honorably discharged in 1990 and entered Concord College. (University) in Athens, WV. He majored in Communications and Theater. Vain learned to write plays at this point in his creative life, as he wrote and produced a "college soap opera" for the college radio station.

After college Vain took a job with WVVA as assignment editor (1995-2011) in the newsroom advancing to news reporter, photography, and "go to" guy for regional news. In 2012 he took a new job as Manager, roving manager, event organizer, Facebook promotions for Grants Supermarkets and became "the face" all looked forward to seeing when they entered the store.

Vain's greatest love was helping people. He loved to laugh and make folks feel good. He turned these passions into playwriting. 4PALS Productions was formed in 2010 with his "besties:" Jim Jenks, Skip Crane, and Thomas Lester; later adding the "3GALS:" Julie Hurley, Shawn Williams, and Sara Helmadollar.  4PALS won the best theatre production in West Virginia for his award-winning work "The Passing of Pearl" in 2011. Mr. Colby wrote 10 original plays, participating in countless musicals, stage plays, and assisting in all aspects of creating entertainment for Four Seasons Country and beyond.  He loved him "some Patti Labelle" and was addicted to "The Young and the Restless." Vain had a "presence" in every room he entered!

In addition to his parents Vain was preceded in death by 4 brothers: James Jr, Roger, John W., and Ricardo. Two sisters: Marlene "Molly" Brooks and Rochelle Brooks-Miller.

Vain is survived by his husband, Jim Jenks. Sisters, Katheryn Jennings (Lee, deceased) of Northfork; Darlene Brooks (Butch McConnell Jr.), April Stevens Leggett of Princeton; Brother, Michael Brooks of Northfork, WV; God-Child Shi'hem Brooks of Princeton; and stepdaughters Jennifer (Justin) Crenshaw of Choctaw, Oklahoma and Krissy (Evan) Spahr of Grand Junction, Colorado. He loved family dinners and having all visit their home over for holidays. He adored all his nieces and nephews and was proud of every success.

The family and friends wish to thank the tireless efforts of the Bluefield ER. They worked so hard to save our precious Vain. God needed him to write a play in Heaven!

There will be a public viewing this Thursday, January 5 from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Granada Theater on Commerce Street in downtown Bluefield, WV. Funeral service is Friday, January 6 at 10 AM also at the Granada. Burial immediately following the service with full military rites by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard at Roselawn Mausoleum in Princeton, WV

Pallbearers will be his nephews with 4PALS serving as Honorary pallbearers.

Cravens-Shires Funeral Home served the family in this difficult time.