He was retired after 37 years with Westmoreland Coal Company. Fondly known by co-workers as Little Joe (later Joe – after his father), James will be remember for his dedication to his family and his spiritual walk with the Lord. Known for his singing voice and mild mannerism, he was always a motivator to and an inspiration to all who passed his w a y. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Edna Jackson; his parents, Baker Joe and Susie Jackson; one sister, Ezelle Rickman (Arthur); one brother, Willis B, and one daughter, Aeyrer Smithers.
He leaves to mourn one sister, Suszanne Dees (Roger); nine sons, Yanthophalees, Big Stone Gap, Va., Breauster (Brenda), Fort Washington, Md., Larry Hennsey (Charlotte), Manassas, Va., Jakkae, Duffield, Va., Grayland (Tonya), Nashville, Tenn., Arriod (Gwendolyn), Fort Washington, Md., Xavier, Charlottesville, Va., Klaistrae, Lexington, Ky., Eupton (Sherri), Bowie, Md.; four daughters, Eileen, Big Stone Gap, Va., Ivy (Nelson) Adekoya, Grayson, Ga., Ayris, Roanoke, Va., Jamara (Jamar) Davis, Elkton, Va.; one son-in-law, James Smithers; one brother-in-law, Virgil Bandy (Gloria); one very special niece, Saundra Rickman; a very devoted grandson, Brian Zander; 17 grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends at Holding Funeral Home, 17 East Third Street, Big Stone Gap, Va., Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at New Hope Assembly Of God, 1405 1st Ave., E. on Monday at 12 p.m. Interment will follow at the Oakview Cemetery. E-mail condolences may be sent to holdingfuneralhome@verizon.net. Holding Funeral Home is serving the Jackson family.
