James David Hairston, Jr. of | 2031 - 2022 | Obituary

James David Hairston, Jr.

August 4, 2031 - December 23, 2022

Mr. James D. Hairston, Jr. received his eternal reward peacefully at home on December 23rd 2022. Born on August 4th 1931 in Rockingham County, North Carolina, he was the oldest son of the late Mattie Abbott Hairston and James D. Hairston, Sr. Upon graduation from the Rockingham County Public School System, James enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. While serving his country James received the Korean Service Medal with Two Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the United States Army, James moved to Newport News, Virginia before re-locating to Brooklyn, New York.

While in New York, James met and married his wife of 62 years, the former Inez V. Thomas. After moving from Brooklyn to Jamaica Queens, James joined the Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica Queens. He worked for the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation Police Department from which he retired after 30 years at the rank of Sergeant. After relocating to Chesapeake, Virginia to be close to family, James and Inez joined the New Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church where they attended until moving to Suffolk, Virginia. Once in Suffolk, James and Inez joined Canaan Baptist Church to serve under the leadership of his son, Pastor Vernon W. Hairston, Sr.

James enjoyed spending time at the horse races, playing bid whist with family and friends, road trips and
taking meticulous care of his cars. He also enjoyed gospel music, particularly quartet music.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Smith, Minnie Wade, Ruthie Smith, and Irene Hairston Nunnally. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving wife, Inez V. Hairston; brother John T. Hairston (Margaret); sister Nannie S. Jeffries; sons; Rev. Vernon W. Hairston, Sr. (Sonji), Ronald Weatherford and David Mills, daughter; Linda S. Walker. Grandchildren; James David Hairston, III, Vernon W. Hairston, Jr. (Breeanna), Desiree Inez Hairston, Lynsia Walker, Anthony Dunwoody, Caresse Mitchell (Jonas), Jeffery Weatherford (Bre’Anna), Tyrel Mills, Yolanda Watlington, Great-grandchildren: August Christopher Hairston and Cara Mitchell, as well as, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, In-laws Sam and Eva Moore and two special caregivers, Jessica Mack and Wanda Wilson.

A viewing will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday, January 1, 2023 at Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2023 at Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Hairston will be laid to rest 11:00am, Wednesday, January 4, 2023 with military honors at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc.

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