James E. Braithwaite Jr.

James Braithwaite Jr. NORFOLK - James Elliott "Jimmy" Braithwaite Jr., 81, went to be with the Lord Aug. 25, 2008. He was born April 4, 1927, in Norfolk to the late James Elliott Sr. and Laura Barnes Braithwaite. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Braithwaite; two sons, Bob Braithwaite (Paige) and Greg Braithwaite (Annette); a brother, Bill Braithwaite (Sherry); a sister, Linda Brown (Ross); five grandchildren, Laurie Ruiz (Nelson), Lindsay Braithwaite, Bryant Braithwaite, Chase Braithwaite and Ali Braithwaite; and three great-grandchildren. Jimmy was an Eagle Scout. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II and served in the Navy Reserves in the early 1950s. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Portsmouth. He worked for CSX Railroad for 39 years in Norfolk, Richmond and Jacksonville, where he retired in 1985, and had resided for 41 years. He was also an active member and deacon of the Southside Baptist Church in Jacksonville. He loved playing golf and spending time with family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at his church home, Southside Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. John Harmeling officiating. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Southside Baptist Church, 1435 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207. Oaklawn Cemetery & Funeral Home, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, is serving the family.