James D. Bryant

James D. Bryant VIRGINIA BEACH - James David Bryant died Feb. 25, 2009, in Charlotte at the age of 88. A native of Hertford County, North Carolina, Mr. Bryant spent 50 years in Virginia Beach before moving to Charlotte in 2004. It was in the Blackwater area of Virginia Beach that Mr. Bryant created a legacy of service to his church and cultivated a circle of caring friends. He served as deacon at Blackwater Baptist Church and worked as a realtor with DeHart Real Estate and Pungo Realty. He tended a small orchard on his property and raised an army of loveable beagles that spanned many generations, all proving to be faithful hunting companions. Mr. Bryant also spent many sun-washed days in a small fishing boat on the inlets and waterways of Blackwater, often catching more when the Baptist preacher the Rev. Ralph Horn was with him. Mr. Bryant owned and operated a jewelry store in Murfreesboro, N.C., for nearly a decade. He also repaired clocks and watches for grateful customers including members of the U.S. Army Air Corps in Biloxi, Miss. His fascination with figuring out how things work reflected a curiosity that would last a lifetime. His interest in the accomplishments and hopes of others fostered strong friendships that flourished until his final day. Mr. Bryant is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ethel W. Bryant; his son and daughter-in-law, Ronald and Nancy Bryant of Norwood, N.C.; his grandchildren, R. Jeep Bryant of New York City and Patricia B. Coburn of Rural Hall, N.C., and their mother Patricia L. Baker of Huntersville, N.C.; two great-grandsons, Michael and Daniel Coburn; and an extended family of relatives and friends whose lives were enriched because of time spent with him. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at The Brian Center, 5945 Reddman Road, Charlotte. Memorial donations can be made to Blackwater Baptist Church, 6000 Blackwater Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457.