"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31.

Reverend Dr. Linwood A. James. Sr., 84, of Disputanta. VA, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born November 12, 1941 in Prince George, VA to the late Herbert L James, Sr. and Edith E. Washington James.

Reverend James enjoyed hunting, playing horseshoes, boxing,watching westerns gardening, vacationing and spending time with his family and he was an avid Washington Commanders fan.  He had a great love for people, especially his grandchildren.

He was employed for over 30 years at Continental Can/Stone Container, Hopewell, VA, retiring as the first Black first class electrician. He began preaching in October of 1963, and later went on to pastor New Hope Baptist Church, Sussex, VA, for 27 years, and Galilee Baptist Church, Stony Creek, VA, for 43 years.

He received his education in Prince George County Public Schools, and later completed religious studies at Virginia Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA.  He later  received an Honorary Doctorate degree from Vrginia Seminary, Richmond, VA.

He served as president of the United Fellowship of Churches in Sussex and Vicinity, and as the second Vice Moderator of the Bethany Association, Sussex and Vicinity.

In addition to his parents, Reverend James was preceded in death by brothers, Dexter J. James and Calvin M. James, Sr. Reverend James is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mrs. Mildred R. James of Disputanta, VA; daughter, P. Linette Ford (Carlton) of Disputanta, VA; son, Linwood A. James, Jr. (Kimberly) of Petersburg, VA; god-daughters, Dr. Daphne L  Bryan of Mosely, VA, and Elder Phyllis Moody of Richmond, VA; godson  Donte T. Myrick (LaToya) of Disputanta, VA; god-sister, Ms. Francis Jefferson-Stanislas; six grandchildren, Dominique James, Henrico, VA, Linwood A. James III and Cameryn D. Ford both Disputanta, VA, Jordyn L. James, Petersburg, VA, C. Donovan Ford, Sr.  and Candace D. Ford both Disputanta, VA; and ten great grandchildren; one sister, Regina J. Myrick (Quintin) of Prince George, VA; brothers, Oliver L. James, Sr. (Claudette) andHerbert  James (Patricia) both Hopewell, VA, Apostle Haywood E. James, Sr. (Martha), Alonzo T. James, Sr., and Robin R. James, Sr. (Yanina) all of Prince George, VA; sisters-in-love, Isabelle Carr (Frank) of Onancock, VA and Marguerite Banks, Norfolk, VA; brother-in-love Curtis C. Price of Capital Heights, MD; and a host of extended family members and friends who will deeply miss him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and compassion that lives on in all of us.

Services will be held 12 Noon, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 South Crater Road, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Jeffrey L. Reaves, Sr., Pastor, and Rev. Ronnie Franklin, eulogist. The interment to follow at the Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery, Disputanta, VA.

A family and friends visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

The family request that all clergy dress in your clergy attire.

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/5881390?fl=so&fe=fs