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John J. Digges, of Bohannon, Virginia, died peacefully in the arms of his wife, Linda on July 14, 2015, at the age of 83. He was a builder, a developer and a gentleman farmer among his many occupations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Llewellyn A. Digges and the Baroness Maria Annunciata Lassoto de Lassotovich Digges, as well as a brother, William Edward Digges, a sister, Carla Digges Robinson, and his first wife, Mary Bush Digges. He was born on March 26th, 1932 in Baltimore, Maryland, the eldest of five children. He attended Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated with a degree in Political Science. He served in the United States Coast Guard, after which he began a long career in the building industry. He was the Owner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bush Construction Corporation, a partner in Plantation Group and many other partnerships he formed to facilitate the creation of over ten thousand housing units. He served a term as the President of the Tidewater Builders Association, worked as a mediator for the National Board of Arbitrators and served on numerous boards and committees. As a firm but loving father of large family he was always teaching and encouraging his children. He taught that life was a blessing to be appreciated and shared. He had a lifelong love of hunting and fishing that he shared with anyone that he could. He traveled the world in pursuit of his passion and a friend said that he always treated the guy who carried the bags with the same interest and respect and cordiality as the guy who owned the jet. As a devout Catholic, he became a participant in any Catholic church he passed, immediately volunteering to help them in any way he could. Throughout his life he always sought out ways that he could use his talents to support his community and improve the lives of those around him. Since retirement, he and his wife Linda traveled extensively, more recently dividing their time between his beloved Edgewater Farm in Bohannon, Virginia and their winter home in St. Thomas, USVI, always sharing both with friends and family. John is survived by his wife, Linda Edwards Digges; his sister, Maria O'Rourk (Rutter); his brother, Sasha Digges (Mary Catherine); ten children, Mary Louise Digges (Linwood Burton), Nuncia Henneman (Charles Adkins), Sarah Jane Monk, Margaret Cavitt, Anne Kinney (Jay), Virginia Payne, Ralph Digges (Holly), James Digges, Anna Spain Digges and Mark Spain; sixteen grandchildren, Andrew and Audrey Henneman, Louise, Lee and Dallas Monk, William, Alexander, and Catherine Cavitt, Edward and Clare Kinney, John-Michael and Anne Payne, Everett and Lauren Digges, and Marley and Zane Digges; and three great grandchildren, Brian and Jacob Monk and Ethan Lundsford. The family would like to express their gratitude for all the love and caring support over the last week, to the Riverside Walter Reed Hospice and to the staff at Johnston-Willis Hospital, The family will receive visitors at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA on Monday, July 20th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A mass in celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, July 21st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Rd, Williamsburg, VA, followed by interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic (gmfreeclinic.com), 6031 Industrial Drive, Gloucester Courthouse, VA 23061 or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.
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Trust in love, eternally.... Paul C. Henneman
October 27, 2015
Mary,
I am very sorry to hear about your father. We are praying for your family.
May God Bless You.
Tolson Electric
Russell Tolson
August 5, 2015
John was always welcoming to me and my wife whenever we took a trip down memory lane to visit him and Linda at Edgewater Farm in recent years. He was so proud of his commercial gas stove! I have so many fond memories of spending my summers at that farm at a child. What a great place to live and I miss it to this day! John, you will be missed!
Stephen & Linda Eason
Stephen Eason
August 3, 2015
Many are the hardships of the righteous one, but God rescues him from them all. (Ps. 34:19)
July 22, 2015
John Digges was a man of honor and integrity. We pray that the Digges family finds comfort and then peace with beautiful memories that will be with them forever. God bless all of you.
Debbie and Duane Perrigo
July 22, 2015
John's enterprise, good humor, generosity and devotion to family touched many lives. His beneficial influence lives on, but he will be missed.
Our sincere condolences,
Dick & Adele Pogue
Dick Pogue
July 21, 2015
Remembering that I would not eat my breakfast as a 4 year old until John stopped by our apartment before going to classes at Loyola College! He was such an important part in all his cousins' lives. We loved our last reunion where he generously hosted all of us! All God's blessings and condolences to his family.
Cinta Watson Porter
July 21, 2015
John was a valued member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11210 at the Church of Francis De Sales in Mathews. We, John's Brother Knights, feel his loss very deeply. Our prayers for hope and healing go to all of John's family. With God's Blessings, Gary Richardson, Grand Knight
July 21, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family of John Digges. May your precious memories get you through this difficult time. God Bless...Carol Simmons
July 20, 2015
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a truly good man who gave generously to his family, his church, and his community. He will be sorely missed by all.
Bill & Janice Higdon
July 20, 2015
My sincere condolences to Mary Digges and family from the Umanzor's family.
Roque Umanzor
July 20, 2015
He was a good man, I'm sad to hear the news of his passing. Remembering many of the great things he taught me, the awesome conversations we had and his many great stories. It's been years since we last spoke but I will always cherish my times with him, Linda, Mark and the rest of his wonderful family.
Jamie North
July 20, 2015
Mary and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Remember, passing time will never dim a fathers love or your love for him. Your father will be with you, your sisters and brothers always!!
Jean & Vic
July 19, 2015
Dear Linda,
I want to express our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Johanna and Mike Sweeney
July 18, 2015
May God comfort you...so sorry for your loss.
Colleen Gestler
July 18, 2015
One of the most outstanding men in my life we are praying for the digges family
caroll Spriggs
July 17, 2015
Condolences to all the family. My brief exposure to him as a young man, it was clear to me that John J. was a man of men. His example to me as a business man, a farmer , a father and husband, will always stand out in my memories as an example to live by. Sure to be missed by all that knew him.
Jeff Tucker
July 17, 2015
It is my earnest prayer that peace reach out like a blanket covering each member of Mr. Digges family with comfort during this difficult time. I'm so eternally grateful that while I never got to meet Mr. Digges that through his hard work and efforts I have the opportunity each day to tell so many about 3 of his many Communities. Rest in peace Mr. Digges.
July 17, 2015
To the Digges family,
The loss is here but the memories live on. I pray God gives you all the strength to continue each day celebrating his life. He touched many of us. My sincere condolences to all of you.
Rose Dykstra
Rose Dykstra
July 17, 2015
Condolences from the Thornton Family.
Keith Thornton
July 17, 2015
Although, Mr. Digges will never know how he had touch my life and my family's life with his love gifts beyond my salary, I am honored to have been given an opportunity to serve a man with great principles and family values. God has you now-- Rest in peace Mr. Digges.
Sherrene Jones
July 17, 2015
We are saddened by the loss of a wonderful, caring, thoughtful, funny, true Virginia Gentleman, John Digges! May the entire Digges Family find comfort in all the happy, loving memories they hold of all the times they had together!
Glenn & Marianne Yoder
July 17, 2015
We are saddened by the loss of a wonderful, caring, thoughtful, funny, true Virginia Gentleman, John Digges! May the entire Digges Family find comfort in all the happy, loving memories they hold of the time they spent together!
Glenn & Marianne Yoder
July 17, 2015
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved one's of John. May he rest in peace. Don Seger
Don Seger
July 17, 2015
To The Digges Family:
The staff of Braywood Manor & Colonial Hall would like to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family during the loss of your loved one, Mr. Digges. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and our hearts go out to you during your time of sorrow. We wish you hope in the midst of sorrow and comfort in the midst of pain. May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish and may these memories continue to strengthen you.
July 17, 2015
Sincere condolences to your family. John was a good man and his loss will be felt by many.
Peter & Geri Farrell
July 17, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss, may God be with you all during this difficult time.
Erica
July 16, 2015
The Jakobowski family sends our prayers and sincere condolences to the Digges family. May the Lord be with all of you, comfort and support you now and always.
Mark and Lynne Jakobowski
July 16, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the entire Digges Family. May the love that surrounds you be a source of comfort. I will truly miss him.
Vera McPherson
July 16, 2015
On behalf of the entire Chohany family, please accept our sincere condolences for your loss of such a wonderful and generous patriarch. He raised great offspring and we know you all will continue his legacy with loving pride. May God fill your hearts with joyous memories of John forever.
Mickey and Vicki Chohany
July 16, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tony Fuqua and Jill Goode
July 16, 2015
Mary & Annie,
Monda & I are so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Please know that we are praying for you & your family. May the Lord give you His perfect peace during this time.
We love you!
Billy & Monda Griffin
July 16, 2015
God bless you and may God keep you safe in His loving arms. Thank you from all of us for the many things you did from your heart to make our lives better. Though Heaven has taken you away from us we know as one of God's Angels you will be that bright star in the night sky watching over us. Thank you John for sharing with us quality time together.
Love,
Knight Roland and Lady Esther Gauthier
July 16, 2015
My sincere condolence to the entire Digges family. Mr. Digges will be missed but will always be in my heart. Deborah from Braywood Manor
Deborah Sansone
July 16, 2015
Thinking of the entire kind and generous Digges family who has lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather as well as a mentor and exemplar for the community.
Allison Brody
July 16, 2015
Mary,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I believe I talked with him only a couple of times over the years. But I only heard great things about him and I'll bet he was a Great Dad. Anything I can do, please don't hesitate to call. Thanks, Morgan
July 16, 2015
John was a wonderful, caring gentleman. We loved him and know he will be missed. Nita and Percy
July 16, 2015
So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.
T Griffin
July 16, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Carroll Loonam
July 15, 2015
Mary,
Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead. Our prayers are with you.
(Your Mount Vernon Plaza Family)
July 15, 2015
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to all the Digges Family. May God comfort you at this sorrowful time and may you keep all the wonderful memories as you celebrate his life.
Pat and Ken (Marianne's parents) Grier
July 15, 2015
Our Condolences to all the family,
David N & Debbie C.
Long&Foster Prop Mgmt.
Newport News, VA
July 15, 2015
A wonderful man who the world is surely going to miss. I know I have nothing but fond memories of our times together. Do not be sad as I am sure he is busy helping the Lord build and remodel his Kingdom.
DENVER MONK
July 15, 2015
Virginia,
I am sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family...Jean
Jean Poitevien
July 15, 2015
St Peter had better batten down the hatches! John will take the place by storm. Probably will set up a hunting and fishing camp in a quiet spot in Heaven. Goodbye old buddy,dear friend and partner. You pond will last forever. Bill Tennant
July 15, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. So sorry for your loss. What an exceptional life he led.
Leslie Vladu
July 15, 2015
So sorry for the loss of John in your family and prayers for each and everyone. May God bless you and help you and your family in this time of need.
Matthew Hipple
July 15, 2015
Your family is in our thoughts & prayers! God bless you all!
Becky Spain
July 14, 2015
C Lewis
July 14, 2015
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Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
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Nelsen Funeral Home - Williamsburg3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, VA 23188
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