James Ernest Fowlkes, 84, widower of Shirley Fowlkes, entered peacefully into eternal rest on September 27, 2023. James, the fifth child of 11 siblings, was born to the late Earnest and Lottie Mae (Wynn) Fowlkes, on April 14, 1939. He was a native of Crewe, Virginia and a longtime resident of Newport News, Virginia.

At an early age, James accepted Christ and was baptized at New Bethel Baptist Church in Crewe, Virginia.  Most recently, James was an active member of First Baptist Church Denbigh in Newport News, Virginia.  James' favorite hymns were "May The Work I've Done Speak For Me" and "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child," especially when sung by his mother.

James attended public school in Nottoway County, Virginia and graduated in 1958 from Luther H. Foster High School. In June of 1958, James entered Virginia State College (now University), in Petersburg, Virginia.  In his sophomore year, James was drafted into the United States Army. After being discharged with full honors, he returned to Virginia State College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education in 1968. He subsequently earned a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration and Supervision in 1975.

James was a member of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated in Newport News, Virginia.  He was also a member of the Evergreen-Benjamin Prince Hall Masonic Lodge #131 in Crewe, Virginia.  James retired from the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind in Hampton, Virginia with over 35 years of service. The first ever football victory at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind was under the leadership of Coach James Fowlkes and his team as reported in the Times-Herald Newspaper in 1986. Fowlkes said, "the whole purpose of having athletics here is to teach the kids and give them an opportunity to excel." Over the years he served as Acting Secondary School Principal, Physical and Health Education Teacher, Driver Education Instructor, and Visual Impairment Instructor.

James was a devoted husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather, and friend. He loved cooking and baking cakes for holidays and annual family reunions until his health no longer permitted him to do so. Everyone loved his fried fish and various cakes and pies he prepared.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Earnest and Lottie Mae Fowlkes, and six of his siblings, Oscar, Clinette, Elnora, Karl, Della, and Marie.

James' memories will be held in the hearts of one daughter, Cheryl Fowlkes of Houston, Texas, and three sons, James Green, Jr. (Ramona) of Bowie, Maryland; Bernard Green (Pamela) of Newport News, Virginia; Kevin Green, Sr. of Newport News, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Jamil, Cassie, Cheré, Cheron, Kevin II, Oliver, and Taylor; and five great grandchildren, Kayvion, Maddox, Kayden, Myleah, and Marie. James is survived by four siblings, Waverly (Margaret) Fowlkes of Crewe, Virginia; Jeanne Bridgeforth of Bronx, New York; Sereda Fowlkes of Alexandria, Virginia; and Joyce (William) Campbell of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Brothers-in-law, Wilfredo Rivera of Bronx, New York; Charles Alex of Newport News, Virginia; Charles Scott of Newport News, Virginia, and sisters-in-law, Alma Fowlkes of Happy Valley, Oregon; Mary Braxton of Hampton, Virginia; Regina Scott of Newport News, Virginia. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, and friends to remember his legacy.

The family would like to express profound and heartfelt gratitude for every act of love and kindness extended to them through their loved ones journey. Your strength and support provided a great source of comfort during this time of bereavement. Special thanks extended to James' caretakers who gave extraordinary care and comfort during his time of greatest need.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11am, Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Viewing will be from 3pm-6pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the funeral home. O.H. Smith and Son funeral home is honored to serve the family.