James A. Fowlkes, Jr., lovingly known as "Tom Smith", "Uncle Daddy", and "Jamie" of Montclair, Virginia, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on the evening of Wednesday, December 3, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones at Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C. James was born on December 5, 1968, in Richmond, Virginia, to Gloria Brown and James Fowlkes, Sr. He was the firstborn son to them.

James Fowlkes attended Petersburg High School, where he was a member of the Class of 1989. During his school years, he played both football and basketball. James attended Star of Hope Bible Way, where Overseer Arlie Lindsey, Jr. presided and where he received the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. While living in the Northern Virginia area, he attended Harvest Life Church, where Bishop Lyle Dukes and Pastor Deborah Dukes preside. His faith remained steadfast throughout his life.

James was united in holy matrimony to his loving wife Karen R. Fowlkes, with whom he shared 33 years of love, devotion, and the strong foundation of family. He was the Uncle that acted as if he was everyone's Dad – earning the nickname of Uncle Daddy.

James was a man of grace, integrity, and purpose, who approached life with dedication and hard work. He built a long and successful career, serving many years at BRENCO in Petersburg, Kaiser Aluminum in Richmond, MICRON in Manassas and finally VSE Corporation, where he devoted more than 17 years of service.

In late fall, James joyfully celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary, surrounded by family and friends. He had his first heavenly birthday December 5, 2025, a milestone that reminds all who knew him of the life, love, and memories he shared. His life was rich with simply joys- hosting the annual family and friend's gatherings, preparing delicious home-cooked meals, and his much-loved deep-fried turkey and fish.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas Fowlkes (Alice Fowlkes) and William H. Brown (Susie Ford).

He is lovingly remembered by his son, Darius Robinson of Richmond, Virginia. He is also survived by his brothers, Antoine Raines (Carleissa) and Derrick Snyder, both of Petersburg, Virginia, and his sister, Munica Greene (Ivor) of Richmond, Virginia. James leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories shared with family and friends. He is further survived by three devoted aunts: Angele Fowlkes of Maryland, Wendy Noel of Richmond, and Janet Seward of Manassas, Virginia. And a host of devoted family and friends –too many to name.

James was the uncle who lovingly embraced the role of a father figure to his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. Over the past eight months, his devoted wife, Karen Fowlkes, and niece, Ebonie Pritchett, ensured that "Jamie" received dedicated care, even during his hospital stays. He also shared a special bond with his beloved great-nephews, Khristian Phillips and Kameron Phillips.

James will be fondly remembered for hosting "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." - John 14:2-3

James A. Fowlkes, Jr., "Jamie", will be remembered as a man of faith, strength, and unconditional love. His presence was a blessing, and his memory will forever live in the hearts of those he touched.

James had a small group of dedicated friends he enjoyed throughout the year: Mr. Donnell Moten, Mr. Robert Cursio, Jerry (Pie) Turner, Malcom Leach and a host of devoted friends – too many to name them all.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, December 20, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 236 Harrison Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor, and Pastor Arlie Lindsey, eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.