James Lee Walston, Sr. ("Jimmy"), a strong, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, family patriarch, and friend, peacefully departed this life in the arms of his loving wife on May 1, 2026, at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center.

As it is written in Scripture, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." — 2 Timothy 4:7. And in another reminder, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith…" — 1 Timothy 5:8. These words were not just Scripture to Jimmy—they were the very life he lived. Without hesitation or pause, he fought the good fight, completed his course, and faithfully provided for and protected his family. His life was a true reflection of strength, responsibility, and unwavering care for those he loved.

Born and raised in Petersburg, VA, Jimmy was the true definition of hometown pride—he was Petersburg, VA! From the Waterfront to Lee Avenue, Harrison Street on the Heights, 7th Street in Blandford, and then Pleasants Lane on 5th Ward, Jimmy knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He loved his city deeply and cherished its people. His presence, strength, and unmistakable spirit were woven into the very fabric of Petersburg.

At the center of his life was his beloved wife, Debra Young Walston of Petersburg, VA, whom he cherished and adored for over 60 years. Their love was unshakable, a bond like a chain that could not be broken, a union that exemplified the kind of love we should all hope to find and sustain in marriage. She was his breath, his heart, and his constant. Jimmy made a promise to Debra that she would always be cared for, protected, respected, and cherished—and he honored that promise every single day without fail. He put Debra first before all others, and his love for her stood the test of time as a powerful reflection of his commitment not only to her, but to God and to the vows he carried in his heart.

He loved Debra endlessly, and anyone who knew him understood that without question. Together, they built a home that was a true sanctuary—filled with love, peace, laughter, and comfort—for Debra, Jamie, and Dic (JJ) until the very day he departed this life. Jimmy often said, and more importantly demonstrated, that his family would never want for anything, and he ensured that remained true every single day of his life.

From this blessed union, he leaves to honor his legacy his devoted children, Dr. Jamie Walston McPherson (Gary) of Chester, VA, and James Lee Walston, Jr. (Monica) of Prince George, VA. Jimmy and his wife, Debra, proudly put their daughter through Howard University, and Jamie graduated in 1993, ensuring she had the foundation to succeed. He also admired his son, James Lee Walston, Jr., who followed in his footsteps by beginning work at the early age of 15 at Pugh's Community Supermarket, starting his journey into manhood early. Dic (aka JJ) worked hard like his father, retiring from Inland Container Corporation (now International Paper) at age 50 after almost 30 years of working. Jimmy often said his son, Dic (aka JJ), was not only handsome like him, but was a strong man whom he admired and loved beyond measure. He frequently expressed how proud he was of the man Dic had become and the home and foundation he built for his beautiful wife, Monica, and their children.

Jimmy was a deeply loving and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather who adored and cherished his five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was truly crazy about his "grands." Affectionately known as "PaPa," his grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy and were the light of his life. His oldest grandchildren, Trevor Moore and Travis Moore both of Prince George, VA (twins), whom he and his beloved wife, Debra, welcomed into their home at one year old, were raised with love by Jimmy, Debra, their son James Jr., and his wife, Monica. His other cherished grandchildren include Myia Walston (Jalil) of Henrico, VA; Mariah Walston (Gavin) of Newport News, VA; and his youngest grandson, Kevin McPherson, Jr. (Alyia) of Hopewell, VA, whom he loved as a son. After Kevin lost his father at the age of six, Jimmy stepped in and became the consistent father figure every young man needs.

Jimmy was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, Karon, Ka'Leyiah, Alonzo, and Alora Khloe—each bringing him immense pride and joy. He was so excited to welcome his youngest great-grandchild, Alora Khloe, the daughter of Kevin and Alyia. He would often say she was the spitting image of his daughter Jamie as a baby, recalling vivid memories of his own mother (Jean) holding Jamie on Harrison Street and seeing that same likeness in Alora Khloe. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant everything to him. They loved him deeply and frequently stopped by to visit, check on him, take him to appointments, and spend cherished time with their beloved PaPa.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Walston Pettiford, and stepfather, Colonial "Gus" Pettiford, formerly of Petersburg, VA; his beloved sister, Gloria Fitzgerald Barbour, and her husband, Bayton "Bobby" Barbour II, formerly of Petersburg, VA; his cherished grandparents, Joe and Nannie Walston, formerly of Tarboro, NC—of whom Jimmy was truly the apple of his grandfather's eye; his beloved mother-in-law, Henrietta Wilkins Young, formerly of Petersburg, VA, whom he often stated was one of the best and most loving people he had ever known in his entire life and who also adored him; his father-in-law, Lawrence Young, Sr., formerly of Petersburg, VA; his brothers-in-law, Gregory Young and Ike Brothers, formerly of Petersburg, VA; and his sister-in-law, Sheila Young Raines, formerly of Petersburg, VA.

He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers-in-law, Lawrence Young (Gina) of South Chesterfield, VA, Anton Young of Chesterfield, VA, Anthony "Zorro" Young of Petersburg, VA, and Samuel Young of Enterprise, AL; and his sisters-in-law, Carolyn Young Brothers of Petersburg, VA, Lauretta Young Dixon (Richard) of Fort Washington, Maryland, and Leticia Young Massenburg of Petersburg, VA.

He also leaves to cherish his memory his beloved cousins, a special and meaningful part of his life, including, Barbara Ann Vick (William) of Tarboro, NC, and Gloria "Sugarboo" Felder of Richmond, VA.

Jimmy also deeply loved his extended family, which included, Rose Fitzgerald Powell (Aunt Boolum, deceased), Leroy "Huck-A-Buck" Fitzgerald (deceased), who he loved as a brother, Tyrone Fitzgerald (deceased), Patricia Powell Thomas, Dolores Fitzgerald (deceased), Claudine "Claudy" Fitzgerald, Karen Fitzgerald, Barry Fitzgerald, Dennis Fitzgerald, and Teresa Powell. He loved them dearly, and their presence in his life helped shape the man he became, contributing to his strength, character, and deep sense of family.

Jimmy also leaves behind a host of loving nieces and nephews, many of whom affectionately called him "Da" or "Uncle Jimmy." Those who will forever hold his memory close include, Tami Young Donnell of South Chesterfield, VA, Judge Ericka Young James (Ronald) of Goldsboro, NC, Ronald "Eric" Young (Norma) and Aliza "Love" Barbour both of Petersburg, VA; Bayton "Alec" Barbour III (Sherell) of Chesterfield, VA; Latasha Raines Brown (Conrad) of South Chesterfield, VA; Antione Raines and James Raines III both of Petersburg, VA, Richelle "Chelle" Dixon and Monika Dixon Pearson (Chris) both of Fort Washington, Maryland; Brandon Young of Chesterfield, VA; Anton "Lil Anton " Young of Petersburg, VA; Debrice Young of South Chesterfield, VA; Aaron Young of Chesterfield, VA; Liticia Young White of Columbus, GA; and VaShon and Lashon Young (twins) of Petersburg, VA; and a host of other family members and friends.

Jimmy was a hardworking and dedicated man who never missed a day of work and took immense pride in providing for his family. He worked for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company for 19½ years until the company left Petersburg, VA. He then continued his service to the community as a Sheriff with the Petersburg Sheriff's Office for nearly 20 years. In every role he held, Jimmy exemplified strength, protection, and care—values that defined both his work and his life.

Jimmy had a lifelong love of spending time with the family at cookouts, family reunions, watching comedy shows like Martin and Saturday Night Live and taking family trips. He also loved football and was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders). He never—and we mean never—missed a game. Sundays were sacred. If the Commanders lost, the entire house knew it—because Jimmy was not saying a word for the rest of the day! No conversations, no commentary, just silence. Everyone learned quickly: when his team lost, you just gave Jimmy his space until next week.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the EMS personnel, paramedics, and the compassionate nurses and staff at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center for their care, professionalism, and kindness during his last moments.

Though Jimmy may no longer be with us in body, his unforgettable spirit, zest for life, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will remain a source of comfort and joy for a lifetime.  As "DaDa," he was our Alpha and our Omega here on this earth, and God is our Alpha and Omega for eternity.

Thanks again to everyone for their support, well wishes, thoughts, prayers, and condolences.

We will miss you, Jimmy, DaDa, and PaPa! Love, Your Family!

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Thursday, May 14, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Edward L. Fox III, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5929407?fl=so&fe=fs