James Monroe Bland, affectionately known as "Jim" and "Moochie," suddenly transitioned from this life on November 9, 2025, at Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center. He was 88 years old. James was residing at Arden Courts Memory Care Facility, where he received compassionate care during his battle with Dementia.

Born on May 23, 1937, James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a jokester with family and friends, even when he was not feeling his best. He was the proud owner of Bland's Auto Repair, where he worked faithfully as a skilled mechanic for many years. His love for working on cars became a family legacy, one he proudly passed down to three of his sons. In addition to his work as a mechanic, James spent many years employed with the Petersburg School System as a mechanic, where he served his community with dedication and humility until his retirement. After retiring, he chose to remain home to be the sole caregiver for his beloved wife, Louise, demonstrating his deep devotion, love, and faithfulness until her passing.

James was a dedicated servant of Jehovah and served for many years as an elder within the congregation. His faith guided his life, his work, and his relationships with others. Together, he and Louise shared 63 years of marriage and eight beautiful children, built on faith, loyalty, and unconditional love.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise Bland; his son, James Bland; his parents, Tent Bonner and Woodrow Jones; his brothers, Oliver and June; his sisters, Rebecca Booker and Eva Maye Boisseau; his nephew, Sylvester Bland; his father-in-law, Harry Coleman Sr.; his mother-in-law, Josephine Coleman; his sister-in-law, Frances Stewart; and his brother-in-law, Harry Coleman, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory: six devoted children, Donald Bland, Angela Greene (Perry), Sherry Medley, Melvin Bland (Bea), Michael Bland (Diana), Rodney Bland, and Barbara Bland.

He is also survived by his siblings, Abraham Bland (Ruth), John Jones (Sally), James Jones, Milton Jones (Kay), and Raymond Jones.

He also leaves cherished in-laws and extended family, including daughter-in-law, Linda Bland, and his wife's sisters, Shirley Walker, Otis Harris, and Laura Graves (Russell), who shared many years of love and connection with the Bland family.

James's legacy continues through his fifteen grandchildren, Avonda Fairly (Christopher), Shawna Greene, Kanisha Turner (Ronald), Marnetta Medley, Letetia White (Jason), James Bland, Melvin Bland, Jr. (Alicia), Michael Medley, Raquel Bland, Andrew Bland, Jerry Medley, Jr. (Emily), Kiarra Cox-Bland, Jerrell Bland (Shannon), and Tyrique Ruffin and Lavita Allen; twenty great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Special thanks to Alicia Bland and the Staff of Arden Courts for their loving care and dedication, and to his devoted children and grandchildren for their tireless love and support.

James will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his strength, his hard work, his sense of humor, and the deep love he had for his family. Though he will be greatly missed, his legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who know him.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in the Chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA.

A memorial service will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, December 13, 2025, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses, 575 Old Wagner Road, Petersburg, VA.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the service via Zoom using meeting ID: 857 6734 4121 and Passcode: 123456

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.