James Daniel Langston

James Daniel Langston, Sr., of Wilmington, North Carolina, met his Lord and Savior on February 10, 2025.
All of Heaven was rejoicing as he heard "Welcome home my good and faithful servant". He was born on July 6, 1933, in Duplin County, North Carolina, Known as "J.D." to his friends, family called him "Papa".
Grounded in his faith in God, J.D.'s legacy of compassion continues to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. J.D. dedicated many years of his professional life to Dupont, where his work ethic and expertise were evident. Following his retirement, he contributed his skills and wisdom at the Mid Atlantic Safety Council, further extending his impact into his later years.
A pillar in his community, J.D. was an active member of the Winter Park Optimist and Eastwood Church. He believed deeply in giving back, which was evident through his involvement with Habitat for Humanity and various youth sports organizations. As a coach for youth basketball and Babe Ruth baseball, and a member of the Winter Park Optimist Board, J.D. fostered the development of countless young lives.
His leadership extended to the church's little league and men's church softball, where he shared his love for both sports and camaraderie. J.D.'s greatest joy, however, was his family.
He and his beloved wife, Alice J. Langston, shared an extraordinary marriage of 71 years-a love that stood as a testimony of their faith in God. Together, they raised their daughter, Karen Langston Windham (Dennis Wilkerson) and son, James Daniel (Danny) Langston, Jr. (Wendy), instilling in them the same virtues that defined J.D.'s own character.
His dedication to his grandchildren, Jason R. Windham (Christen), Jim Ton, Rebekah Anderson, and Michael Spivey; great-grandchildren, Scott Windham and Forrest Windham, were marked by encouragement, support, and boundless love.
Preceded in death by his parents, John Phinie and Estelle Wagstaff Langston, and his brother, J.W. Langston, and sister, Louise Chestnut; a special son in law, Phillip S. Windham.
Also, survived by his sisters Evelyn Wetherington and Betty Heath. J.D.'s memory will be cherished by his family and friends.
A celebration of J.D.'s life will be held 11:00 AM March 1, 2025 at Eastwood Community Church in Wilmington. The family will have a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the Church.
This gathering will honor the extraordinary man who touched so many lives with his kindness and generosity.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wilmingtoncares.com. Arrangements are being handled by Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, located at 1535 South 41st Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Eastwood Community Church or the the Winter Park Optimist Club here in Wilmington.
For more information, please call 910-791-9099. J.D.'s legacy endures in the hearts of his loved ones and the community he served so selflessly. He will be profoundly missed, but his light will continue to shine brightly in the lives he touched. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.