Oliver Lee James, Jr., affectionately known as "Snook, Junie, Bob, and OJ", passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025. He was preceded in death by his devoted mother, Elder Anna James; wife, Deborah Lynn James; daughter, Rosheta Gholson; maternal grandparents, Deacon Willie and Mattie Mease; paternal grandparents, Herbert and Edith James; and a host of aunts, uncles, and other family members on both the maternal and paternal sides.

Oliver attended the Hopewell Public Schools. He was affectionately known at his job as "OJ". He served as a Senior Supervisor for his entire career at Arrowhead Environmental, starting on March 3, 2008, and retiring on March 29, 2024. He was a valuable and highly skilled supervisor in all areas of industrial services, with expertise in high-pressure water blasting. Clients such as Honeywell, Ashland Chemical, and West Rock Paper Mills often sought his advice on challenging projects. OJ was an invaluable member of the Arrowhead team, and he will be deeply missed both professionally and personally by the entire Arrowhead family. This tribute has been submitted by the owners of the company, Mike Luter and Steve Mack.

Oliver's hobbies included his first love, fishing, as well as riding his motorcycle and four-wheelers. He enjoyed drag racing and, at certain times, bowling and go-karting. He loved amusement parks, even though he had a fear of roller coasters! He liked being outdoors and participating in various activities, such as lawn care and maintaining vehicles and equipment. Most importantly, he cherished spending quality time with family during different events and enjoying the company of many types of people who shared his interests.

Oliver was a dedicated father who loved and adored his daughters, grandchildren, and family. His father affectionately called him "Snook", and the two shared an unshakeable bond. They were not just father and son, but also best friends. He made it a point to participate in every family function he could.

There were times when he would be working in the yard or sitting in one of his outdoor sheds, listening to and singing along with some of his favorite gospel music. One song he particularly loved was "Save a Seat for Me" by Rev. Clay Evans. He would give it everything he had while singing it!

His love, smiles, jokes, infectious laughter, and sweet demeanor will be missed by his family and friends. He will forever live on in our hearts and through his daughter and grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved daughter, Olivia James; stepson, Charles Coleman Jr.; very devoted father, Oliver Lee James, Sr. (Claudette); significant other, Thomasene Gay; and grandchildren, Alphonso, Nehemiah, and Nefertiti Gholson. He is also survived by step-grandchildren, Jayden, Jaiasiah, Tatiana Coleman, and Azyah Arnold; two great grandchildren, Sage and Alonzo Gholson; stepbrother, Boris Jones (Ernestine); and a host of uncles, aunts, sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, a niece, cousins, and friends. Several close and devoted friends will also remember him. We may not have named everyone, but we are confident that those who are dear to him know who they are.

Services will be held 4:00 P.M., Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Third Baptist Church, 550 Farmer Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Kassandra Bullock, Pastor. The interment to follow at Memorial Gardens 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.