On Tuesday, July 17, 2018, Virgil Lee James, Jr. (V. L.) passed away peacefully at his home in Crozet, Virginia.

He was born on June 3, 1937, in Albemarle County. He was the son of the late Virgil Lee James, Sr. and Willie Wood James. V. L. was preceded in death by his stepmother, Muriel B. James; Lucille H. Kelly; his in-laws, Elwood and Lena Gibson; and brother-in-law, Elwood Gibson. He was a resident of Crozet since 1952, having lived in White Hall until then.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Jane Gibson James; his son, Virgil Lee James III (Lee) of Crozet; his daughter-in-law, Anne Oprandy James, of Crozet; and his dear grandchildren, Isabella Marie James (Bella - Princess), and grandson Haden Lee James of Crozet. By them, he was called Poppy. (Poppy is a blessing from above, sharing laughter, joy and love. A daily kindness that he shares, a lasting comfort that he cares.)

He is also survived by his brothers, Ralph Downer James and his wife, Patricia, of Clifford; Gene Harvey and his wife, Mary, of Greenwood; four sisters-in-law, Rebecca Gibson Lively and husband, Raymond, of Charlottesville; Leura Gibson Crawford of Charlottesville; Peggy Gibson Morris of Scottsville; and Dorothy Gibson Lively and husband, Gene, of Charlottesville; two brothers-in-law, James Gibson and wife, Evelyn, of Charlottesville, and Cecil Gibson of Charlottesville; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

In January 1956, at age 18, V. L. joined the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department. He served as chief, assistant chief, training officer, board member, driver, pump operator, and firefighter. He was instrumental in Crozet Volunteer Fire Department acquiring its first self-contained breathing apparatus in the 1960s. He was recipient of the Chief’s Award, Firefighter of the Year Award for several years (in top percentage of personnel for the volume of calls run), and CVFD Crozet Auxiliary Community Service Award.

In 2006, V. L. was recognized by Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, Crozet United Methodist Church, Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, and Charlottesville Elks Lodge #389 for his 50 years of active fire service. In 2013, he received the Community Builders Award from the Masons. He also served as CVFD softball coach.

He enjoyed restoring old tractors and received ‘Best Appearing Antique Farm Tractor 25 Years Old or Plus’ Award for his restored 1962 Minneapolis Moline Tractor in the 2009 Crozet Parade. He was Grand Marshall for the CVFD parade in 2014.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoying the outdoors. Most important to VL was spending time with his wife, son, and family. He shared with his family a love of hunting, fishing, and the fire company. He was supportive and did everything in his ability to enable their success. He instilled in them the importance of integrity and generosity.

He enjoyed the annual family vacations to the Outer Banks and watching NASCAR. V. L. made many lives richer; he will be truly missed.

 V.L. graduated from Albemarle High School in 1957. Having only one employer his entire life, Crozet Great Valu Grocery Store (Red Front Market), he worked for over 60 years, 1956 – 2016, as butcher/meat department manager, and stockholder.

V.L. is a lifetime member of the Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, a member of Crozet United Methodist Church, and a member of the White Hall Hunt Club.

   The funeral service will be held at Crozet United Methodist Church on Friday, July 20, at 11:00 a.m. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.

   Pallbearers are Lee James, Downer James, Gene Harvey, Preston Gentry, Fred Gibson, Gene Lively, Will Schmertzler, and Bill Thomas.

            Honorary Pallbearers are Pete Oprandy and Dabney Via.

            Memorial contributions in memory of V. L. may be made to:

• Crozet Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 696, Crozet, Virginia 22932
• Western Albemarle Rescue Squad, Inc., P. O. Box 188, Crozet, Virginia 22932
• Crozet United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 70, Crozet, Virginia 22932.