CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia
James Delander
Miles Sr.
James Delander Miles Sr. ('Pops', 'Daddy' or 'Daddy Ro') of Shipman, Virginia, a passionate artist and barber, painted LIFE in every shade. James departed this life of 64 years on Saturday, October 11, 2008, at Lynchburg General Hospital.
He was born to Early and Flora Aldridge Miles Sr. on February 11, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, and was preceded in death by his mother, Flora Aldridge Miles; his brother, Early Miles Jr.; and his sister, Ethel Acey.
James is survived by his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth Harris Miles; his son, James D. Miles Jr. and his wife, Natalie, of Madison, Tennessee; his four daughters, Tasha Miles of Johnson City, Tennessee, LaJaiah Hines and her husband, Warren, of Shipman Virgina, Quakeela Teasley and her husband, Donald, of Richmond, Virginia, and Jetarwa Gardner and husband, William, of Waynesboro, Virginia; his brothers, Dr. Benny Miles and his wife, Bobbie, of Grambling, Louisiana, Nathaniel Miles and his wife, Rosetta, of Nashville, Tennessee, and Raymond Miles and his wife, Evelyn, of Memphis, Tennessee; 16 grandchildren, two great- grandchildren and two grand dogs; and a host of other relatives and friends.
James, born in Memphis, Tennessee, left his home town to attend college at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. There as an art major, he began to make a name for himself as an artist. His work has been featured in the Art and Antiques Magazine, Ebony Magazine, the Tennessean newspaper, The Cosby Show, countless art exhibits and shows, and in homes and barbershops around the United States.
James, an accomplished barber and business owner, was employed as a barber first at Craighead's Barbershop in Nashville, Tennessee), Miles Barbershop in Nashville, Tessessee) and then Rosehill Barbershop (Charlottesville, Virginia).
He will be placed to rest at a graveside service 2 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2008, at the Harris family cemetery in Shipman, Virginia.
If you desire to give, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fisk University Art Program (1000 17th Avenue N. Nashville, TN 37208).
Thank you for your patronage and support during his illness.
We miss you and love you Daddy Ro/Pops and pray to see you again in God's beautiful home.
If you would like to pay condolences to the family please sign the guest book at www.jfbellfuneralhome.com
J. F. Bell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
My big brother from another mother! Many a haircut he gave me. Great artist. I remember the last phone conversation we had. May your wonderful spirit always surround your family. From the entire Hooks Family!
Earl "Bing" Hooks
January 21, 2021 | MANASSAS, VA | Friend
Our deepest sympathies to the Miles family. We knew James many years ago at Fisk University. We just heard of his passing and were saddened to hear such a gentle soul has left us. He was a sweet and generous person, always sharing a warm smile and comforting word; he was a dear friend in college and meant so very much to so many. We feel blessed to have been graced by his presence; we were all so young but he was wise beyond his years. We share your loss.
leslie Nickerson-Bowers
October 25, 2008 | Hampton, VA
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the Miles family especially to MR.Nathaniel Miles SR.Our prayers are with you all,and my God bless you during this time of sadness.
sincerely,
A LIL' OFF THE TOP BARBER SHOP TONY,T.J.,JASPER,LYNN, STEVE SMYRNA,TN.
STEPHEN WHITAKER
October 23, 2008 | SMYRNA, TN
Mr. Miles,
I'm happy to have gotten a chance to know the likes of such a great and accomplished man. Your humble spirit lives on in the legacy of your wife, children and grand-children. You will be missed. May God bless your family and may your soul rest in peace.
Udeme Edoho-Eket
October 22, 2008 | Nashville, TN
To the Miles' Family:
I knew James for only a few years, and, yet I didn't know him. I had only seen him at work in the barbershop cutting hair and exchanging political views with other men in the shop. For a while, he was a staunch Republican, always ready to defend his "beloved" party if anyone was "crazy" enough to challenge him. This last year, however, he'd become much quieter about politics and much more vocal about the Bible and God. I enjoyed listening to him speak biblical...
Mary Byers
October 20, 2008 | Charlottesville, VA
With sincere sympathy to your family
Peter Hayes
October 19, 2008 | Nashville, TN
Uncle James,
Thanks for helping so many of us discover our own unique " dance" as defined by our intuitive voice.
Thanks for helping me to understand the core concept of freedom and how it relates to my interpretation of what my dance should feel like to me.
Finally, thanks for my cuzzes, who are like brothers and sisters to us.
C'ta DeLaurier
C'ta DeLaurier
October 18, 2008 | Shipman, VA
Our love and prayers are with you.
Kevin and Samantha Miles
October 16, 2008 | Shipman, VA
To the Miles Family,
We are saddened by the loss of James yet encouraged that he is resting comfortably in the bosom of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We knew James from Nashville, TN where my husband was a customer of his at Craighead's Barber Shop on Jefferson Street. I knew him as a fellow "Fiskite" and an accomplished artist whose works are prominently displayed at Fisk University and many other places throughout.
James was always a straight shooter and held a very strict court...
October 16, 2008 | Charlottesville,, VA
