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Deacon Johnny L. James

Deacon Johnny L. James

KILMARNOCK—Deacon Johnny L. “John” James departed this life August 17, 2021, for an eternal resting place with his Lord and Savior “Jesus Christ.”

John was the youngest of 15 children, born on July 13, 1938, in Swansea, South Carolina, to loving parents Daniel James and Annie E. Baxter James.

John’s older brothers and sisters slowly migrated to Brooklyn, New York, where he eventually came with his parents. Although never happy about his situation in the big city, he learned to adjust. After high school he joined the Army and received an honorable discharge from Fort Jackson, South Carolina, on October 31, 1964.

In the early 60s he met and later married Bonita Corbin. They enjoyed living a Christian filled life, traveling, visiting family and friends. He joined Jackson Memorial AME Church in Hempstead, New York, and was active in several ministries.

John worked for the Metropolitan Transit Authority as a bus operator. He was a dedicated employee for MTA happily retiring after 25 years of service. John did not waste time sitting around. He drove buses for the mentally challenged children taking them to and from school for 10 years.

When John decided to fully retire, he was ready to leave the city life behind. Once that decision was made, Kilmarnock was the most sensible move.

John and Bonita joined Calvary Baptist Church. He was ordained a deacon under pastor Myron Sutherlin. He delivered food for Bay Aging Meals on Wheels and delivered meals for the soup kitchen at Calvary.

John was a member of the Kiwanis Club. He was always ready to run errands, drive his friends to appointments or whatever he was asked, that’s just the man he was.

At home, John enjoyed reading his Bible, relaxing in his favorite chair and always enjoying a good meal.

He was a wonderful father, brother, uncle and friend. His laugh and smile was everything to those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and seven sisters, all now united again in God’s Garden.

John leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Bonita; children, Vanessa and Charles; sisters-law Catherine and Shirley; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.

A service was held at 11 a.m. August 25 at Calvary Baptist Church, Kilmarnock. Interment with military honors followed in the Calvary Memorial Cemetery.

Campbell Funeral Home of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.

Rappahannock Record Staff
Rappahannock Record Staffhttp://www.rrecord.com
From the Rappahannock Record news team
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