James Henderson Craddox

James Henderson Craddox, affectionately known as "Jimmy," peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Jimmy was born on June 5, 1936, to the late Walter S. and Fannie L. (Jones) Craddock in Kenbridge, VA. He was the eldest of nine children. His early Christian journey began at New Grove Baptist Church, where he was baptized at an early age.

He graduated from Lunenburg County Training School in 1954. The following year, in 1955, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, retiring after 22 years of active-duty service in 1976. After his military service, Jimmy worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an administrative technician for 21 years. He attended Thomas Nelson Community College.

Jimmy met the love of his life, Carrie E. Hopkins, at a picnic in Pennsylvania in 1961. Their bond grew, and they united in marriage on December 4, 1965, in Baltimore, MD. From their union, a son named James Dion was born.

In 1974, he became a member of Zion Baptist Church, Hampton, Virginia, and remained active for 33 years. During this time, his roles included trustee and chairman of the usher's ministry for 28 years. In 1995, he was ordained a Deacon under the leadership of the late Reverand Doctor Browlee Hailstock, Jr. After retiring in 2000, Jimmy and Carrie moved back to South Hill and became members of New Grove Baptist Church. He was then re-ordained as a Deacon and became the Diaconate chairperson, a position he held until his passing.

Jimmy was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys; he loved discussing politics and playing Bid Whist and Spades with his son, Dion, and family. Tracie, Alphonso, and Novella will miss his delicious pickled beets and the hilarious stories he could tell.

His parents predeceased Jimmy, Walter S. and Fannie L. (Jones) Craddock; one sister, Emma Bowden; three brothers, Walter L. Craddock Sr., Robert L. Craddock, and Dennis Craddock; his daughter, Agatha Deborah Frazier; his son, James Richard Craddox; his grandsons, Fenise Craddox (James Richard Craddox Jr) and Keith Maddox.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 60 years, Carrie Craddox; his son James Dion (and daughter-in-law Tracie) of Hampton, VA; three sisters, Dorothy Issacs (and husband Norman), Corethia Barnett (and husband William), and Margaret Webby (and husband Milton), all of Plainfield, NJ; one brother, Charlie Craddock of Plainfield, NJ; one brother-in-law, Richard Hopkins (and wife Ann) of Greensboro, NC; one aunt, Dorothy Cabiness of South Hill, VA; grandchildren: George Maddox, Kahlia Nesbit, Antisha Nesbit, Ingrid Russell, Zanniah Grow, and Lazaria Roseboro; one great-grandchild, Asia Glasglow; Great niece, Tatiana Campfor and a host of great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.