James Edward Lindsey, Jr., Scroll of Life

"Oh, please don't feel guilty

It was just my time to go –

I see you are still feeling sad

And the tears just seem to flow.

I haven't really left you

even though it may seem so –

I have just gone to my Heavenly home

and I'm closer to you than you know."

James Edward Lindsey Jr., affectionately known as "Jimbo," transitioned peacefully in his Norfolk home, surrounded by his children on October 19, 2021. This Mighty Man of Valor trusted God through his illness and trusted God to lead him home. James was born on South Newtown Road, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, at  his mother's family home on March 18, 1949. His parents, James Edward Lindsey Sr., and the late Queenie Lee Wilson Lindsey, welcomed this gift from God.

He was preceded in death by a son, Milton Thomas, Sr., and his "other" mother, who helped to raise him, Nola C. Hughes Lindsey, whom he affectionately called, "Mama Nola."  James is survived by the mother of his children and first wife, Denise Lindsey Pray, his children: Dorothy V. "Monique" Spivey, Carlos L. (Femi) Lindsey Sr., Ebony S. Lindsey, James E. (Deshonna) Lindsey lll, and Joy A. Lindsey, thirty-nine grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren. He is also survived by his father, James E. Lindsey, Sr., nine siblings: Jacquelyn Lindsey (Omar) Wynn, Cynthia L. (Linwood) Sessoms, Marsha Diane Copeland Lindsey, Lloyd L. (Lesly) Lindsey, Enola M. Lindsey, Joseph C. (Rhoda) Lindsey, Larry L. (Diane) Lindsey, Essie L. (Taras) Davis, and Katherine L. Lindsey, aunts, uncle, a host of nieces and nephews, and his Garden of Prayer COGIC family.

James matriculated in the Norfolk Public School system and received his diploma from Booker T. Washington High School. Following graduation, he served briefly in the United States Army where he received a National Defense Service Medal and earned the Sharpshooter marksmanship badge. He later returned home to rejoin the family business, where he worked for over 50 years. He also worked at Norfolk State University for 5 years.

At an early age, James was taught the Word of God and how important it was to obey God's Word. He was taught to honor your father and mother and if you do not work, you do not eat. He hid those words in his heart, to help keep him on the narrow path. At an early age, James along with his siblings would go with their father on Saturday night to Union Kempsville Baptist church to clean it and make sure the church was ready for Sunday morning service. When the family church became the Garden of Prayer COGIC located on Park Avenue, under then Elder Levi E. Willis, Sr., James, and his siblings did whatever their hands found to do for the church. At the Garden of Prayer Worship center, James proudly served on the Deacon Board, the Security Team, Men's Choir, Men's Usher Board, in the Men's Department, as a Hospitality Greeter, and a Bible School teacher.

As the oldest male child, in the family, he was the protector of his siblings. He was constantly running boys away that were interested in his sisters. He also taught his siblings how to fight to protect themselves. James' favorite past times were spending time with his family, children, and the church family. He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed fishing whenever he got the chance.

His children and family celebrate memories of his great cooking, humor, and clever work ethics. He played a vital role in each of his grandchildren's lives. James was often referred to as the "glue" of his immediate family. He is honored and remembered today for his humble spirit, his untiring work and dedication to the family business. His great work ethics caused him to work with a spirit of excellence, rather recognized or not.  He knew that God keeps the records. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward." Colossians 3:23-24, ESV. James will be solely missed.

The Door That Never Closes

(Heaven Memorial Poem)

There's a door that never closes

though it opens but one way ..

It's the door that leads to Heaven

at the end of life's long day.

It's the threshold of forever

where the heart is always glad ..

It's a respite for the weary

and a comfort for the sad.

It's the door to peace and healing

and the door to joy and grace ..

Where the Master greets each quest by name

and with a warm embrace.

And the loved ones who pass through

into the light that's shining there ..

Find a sweet and perfect home

within our Father's loving care.

By R.Haas