James A. Canady Sr.

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Old Dominion University

James Canady Obituary

On Sunday, March 8, 2009, God in his infinite wisdom called home our beloved, Mr. James Andrew Canady Sr., while resting peacefully at home with his family.

He was born April 29, 1926, to the late George and Bessie Canady in Rocky Point, N.C. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, David Canady and Clarence Carr, and his sister, Mary Susan Carr.

James Canady graduated from Pender County Training School in Rocky Point, N.C. After graduation he was drafted into the armed services in 1945. He elected to make the Army a career and completed over 20 years of service before retiring as staff sergeant in February 1967. James was assigned to duty in Germany during the Berlin crisis in the 1960s. He served in South Vietnam with the First Division as the civil affairs NCO to represent the brigade in establishing the brigade civilian workforce composed entirely of South Vietnamese civilians. He also served as an interpreter for the civil affairs officers, the military intelligence officer, and the G2 Personnel Office. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Award Medal, the Purple Heart, Armed Forces Honors Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star for Valor and the Good Conduct Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters.

James entered his second career — that of civil service in December 1967, and retired in April 1990, after completing over 22 years of distinguished work. He was a certified paralegal, having completed studies at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Va., in 1994. He has held both elected and appointed offices, including an elected seat on the school board in Junction City, Kan. A champion for civil rights, he was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Petersburg Chapter, the NAACP and the James H. Threatt Memorial Club. James characterized his experiences through out his career and life as educational and rewarding with his proudest accomplishment being able to send his three children to college without them having any financial obligations after graduation.

The light of his life was his family, a loving wife, Jean of Petersburg, Va. (recently celebrated 57 years of marriage on Feb. 16, 2009); three children, Jacqueline Woodson (Al) of Woodbridge, Va., James A. Canady Jr. (Sandra) of Bolingbrook, Ill., and Janice Baptiste (Neil) of Chester, Va.; seven grandchildren, James A. Canady III of Columbus, Ohio, Shawn C.. Canady (Amanda) of Toledo, Ohio, Jeremiah Canady of Joliet, Ill., Ashlee and Alexa Woodson of Woodbridge, Va., and Noelle and Neil Baptiste II of Chester, Va.; four stepgrandchildren; five great-grandchildren, Claudia, Chole and Clarabelle Canady of Toledo, Ohio, Dakodah and Nehemiah Canady of Joliet, Ill.; three sisters, Tempie Brown, Mary Savage and Martha Burns of Philadelphia; one brother-in-law, Robert Mitchell Sr.; one devoted nephew, David Canady of Raleigh, N.C.; two nieces, Davidetta Carter and Dorothy Hicks of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends that included two devoted friends, Herbert Coulton and George Ellis.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Mt. Rena Missionary Baptist Church, Highway 210 East, Rocky Point, N.C.; Pastor Cleveland Graham officiating. Interment to follow at Williams Cemetery, Rocky Point, N.C.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 12, 2009, at the funeral establishment.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Canady online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress-Index from Mar. 10 to Mar. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Canady

4 Entries

Vickie Bonner-Garnett

March 11, 2009

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" - Corinthians 5:8. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Canady as a high school coop student over 26 years ago as I began my career as a civilian employee. I treasure his principles and thank God he mentored me at such a young age. He was truly a remarkable, busy man who often talked highly of his family. My God keep you and continue to bless each of you during this time of bereavement. Stay blessed and look to the hills from whence cometh all our help.

Sarah Mays

March 11, 2009

Dear Family,
We were very sad to hear of Mr. Canady's passing. We each have fond memories of him, from riding the little moped to hanging out at the house in JC with Jackie, Jimmy and Janet. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Eva Freeman, Ruby Stevens, Sarah Mays and Pev Stevens

Rachel Lewis

March 11, 2009

I feel very privileged to have known and become a friend of Mr. Canady. Mr. C was a warm, helpful and very giving person. My family and I also had the wonderful experience of getting to know his wife, Jean. I will always cherish the memory of Mr. C's positive attitude and his willingness to share his knowledge with others.

Cheryl Jamieson

March 11, 2009

Mr. C.! It's so much to say about Mr. C. he was as good as gold and hard as nails. He was a person that you wanted on your team. I worked with Mr. C. over the years and become to know him as a person I could depend on. I'm sad that he had to leave us, but his life here was well spend and I know he haven't slowed down in heaven. Working hard with a big smile and a story to tell. All my prayers to his wife and family whom he loved so much and always spoke so highly of. Be Blessed and know that he's always with us. With Love Cheryl

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