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Chambers and James Funeral Homes, Eric Fithyan honored

Chambers and James honored, along with owner, Eric Fithyan

Eric Fithyan, owner and funeral director for Chambers and James Funeral Homes, holds the West Virginia Executive Young Gun award presented through the West Virginia Executive magazine and the issue of the magazine in which he and nine other young West Virginia professionals, all recipients of the award, are profiled. Chambers and James also was among 161 funeral homes in the U.S. and Philippines to receive the National Funeral Directors Association’s Pursuit of Excellence Award. It’s the third consecutive year Chambers and James has been honored by the association, which represents more than 10,000 funeral homes in 50 countries. — Warren Scott

WELLSBURG — It’s been a banner year for Chambers and James Funeral Homes, which have received international and state recognition for professional and volunteer service.

Eric Fithyan, owner and funeral director of Chambers and James Funeral Homes, is one of 10 young professionals from throughout West Virginia to be named a Young Gun by West Virginia Executive magazine.

Kensie Hamilton Fauber, West Virginia Executive editor in chief, said each year the magazine “recognizes 10 outstanding West Virginians, age 43 or younger, who have accomplished great things in both their careers and communities. Honorees must have lived in the state and been in their West Virginia-based position for at least two years and actively participate in community service.

“Now more than ever it’s important for us to recognize West Virginia’s movers and shakers. As our economy and industries evolve, we must have strong leaders like the members of this year’s class of Young Guns guiding us into the future,” the editor said.

Fithyan said in addition to feeling honored to receive the award, he’s pleased to have the opportunity to help promote the region and state.

He noted the page-length profiles for each of the honorees are accompanied by photos of each recipient taken at Oglebay Resort, which is among sponsors for the awards.

In his photos Fithyan stands before the historic Oglebay Mansion and the model railroad at the Oglebay Good Zoo reflecting his long-time interest in model railroading.

In his interview, which also is posted online at www.wvexecutive.com/young-guns, he mentions the Station Grille restaurant among his favorites.

The article notes Fithyan started in the funeral business washing cars for a local funeral home. At age 27, after earning degrees in funeral service management, business and embalming, he purchased Chambers and James Funeral Homes in 2011.

It also details the community service projects undertaken by Fithyan and his staff, from collecting sweaters for veterans in nursing homes and organizing a program encouraging organ donation to raising more than $3,000 for the American Cancer Society through a public dinner celebrating James Funeral Home’s 100th anniversary.

Fithyan said representatives of West Virginia Executive magazine asked him to tell few people of the honor before the 2017 Class of Young Guns was announced at a reception held Nov. 15 at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.

“That wasn’t easy. I wanted to tell everybody,” he said.

Fithyan said he was surprised to find Joe Eddy, chief executive officer of Eagle Manufacturing; and Ingrid Loy, Eagle marketing manager; at the event.

The two weren’t aware he was among the honorees and had come to support Rebecca McPhail, president of the West Virginia Manufacturers Association, of which Eagle is a member; and Alisha Grass Maddox, chief communications officer for Charles Ryan Associates, a Charleston public relations and marketing firm that has worked with Eagle.

“It shows the impact Eagle has throughout the state,” Fithyan said.

Fithyan said he’s proud that he and his staff have earned the National Funeral Directors Association’s Pursuit of Excellence award for the third consecutive year.

Chambers and James was one of 161 funeral homes to receive the honor from the association, which represents more than 10,000 funeral homes in 50 countries.

Jessica Koth, spokeswoman for the NFDA, said the awards are given annually “to firms that have demonstrated a commitment to raising the bar on funeral service excellence by adhering to strict ethical and professional standards and providing outstanding service to families and communities.”

Fithyan said he sees the award as a report card measuring the quality of the funeral homes’ service in the previous year.

“It’s our opportunity to say, this is what we do and do we stand up to the criteria,” he said.

Fithyan said eligibility for the award depends on many factors, including knowledge and continuous training of owners and staff, compliance with federal workplace safety and ethical business practices, programs and resources for grieving family members, use of the Internet and social media and involvement in community service.

He noted community service is a key component for the international award.

Fithyan, who also is president of the Wellsburg Kiwanis Club and active member of the Follansbee and Wellsburg chambers of commerce, said his staff members have supported and assisted him in many endeavors, including a Relay for Life team.

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