James Anthony "Sonny" Dugars

NEWPORT NEWS - James Anthony Dugars, affectionately known as "Sonny," the son of Rosalee Dugars and George Dugars, was born July 30, 1951, in Baltimore, Md. He departed this life after a brief illness on Saturday, July 21, 2001. Mr. Dugars was educated in the Baltimore City School System until the age of 18 when he enlisted in the Army to serve in Vietnam. While serving in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal for distinguished service and valor. He was known as a soldier's "soldier." During the last few years of his life he was trying to get closer to Jesus. He leaves to mourn brothers, Gregory, Reginald and Shawn Howard; and one sister-in-law, Tonya Howard; a loving niece, Virginia Marie-Dugars Howard; a devoted cousin, Helen Bazile; and a host of other relatives, family members and friends. Viewing will begin at 3 p.m. today at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel and the family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, in Arlington National Cemetery. Arrangements by Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.