James Edward Braxton, Sr., 85, transitioned to glory on April 6, 2017 at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia. He was born on January 27, 1932 to the late Edward and Mary Braxton.

JB, which he insisted that friends call him, was educated in Northampton County until his father's death required him to become the provider for his family. He began working on the ferry boat then on to farming and factory work. He married Jessie Fisher in 1954 and to this union eight children were born. He worked for 29 years for Verizon Communications and retired in 1991.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at Cape Charles Beachfront in 2003. JB was the musician for First Baptist Church in Cape Charles until his health failed. He loved singing and playing the organ unto the Lord.

JB enjoyed his retirement years by "farming" on his tractor, Big Red. He looked forward to the yearly birthday trips with his lifelong best friends, David Mitchell and Clarence Smaw. He loved to talk and laugh with everyone; no one was ever a stranger to him. But most of all he loved and cherished his family.

JB leaves behind to honor his memory, his wife of 63 years, Jessie; his sons, James, Jr., Jeffery, Rodney (Tawanda); his daughter, Sandra (Terry); 29 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, his nephew, Homer, his niece, Jean, his personal home care aide, Betty (who became a friend) and many more friends. He was preceded in death by his sons, Ned, Charles, and Thomas and his daughters, Mary and Florence.

He will forever live in our hearts.