James Wilson Overton Jr.

James Wilson "Jim" Overton, Jr., 93, of Chesapeake, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 22, 2025. Born in South Norfolk to the late Bill and Helen Overton.
Jim grew up attending South Norfolk Baptist Church. He led a very active and fulfilling life, enjoying trap shooting, hunting, fishing, racing both cars and boats, and horses. However, his greatest passion was dancing. He was a proud graduate of South Norfolk High School, Mars Hill Junior College, and Wake Forest University, where he played football. After college, he joined his father in the family grocery business, Overton's Markets, where he worked until the business was sold. He then co-owned and managed the Northampton Days Inn and the Stage 54 Discotheque. He retired in 1987. Jim served on the South Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Chesapeake City Council where he served as Vice Mayor. He was a member of the Southside Lions Club, the South Norfolk Masonic Lodge, the Ruritan Club, the Khedive Shrine, and the Tidewater Rose Society. He was an active member and past president of the Virginia Beach Shag Club, and a member of the Virginia Shaggers Hall of Fame. Jim was also a member of the National Living Legends of Dance and went on to manage Bill Deal's Original Rhondels.
Jim is survived by his brother, Keith Overton; his children, Kim Thrasher (Daniel), Karen Zahn, and Jimmy Overton (Lynne), all of Chesapeake, and Randall Overton (Kimberly), of Waverly; seven grandchildren, Van Ellison (Brianna), Karen Parker (Lonnie), Taylor Yengst (Paul), Jenna Boyser (Steven), Leah Overton, James Overton, and Jimmy Overton; and ten great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service to celebrate Jim's life will be held Monday, March 10, 2025, at 11am at Graham Funeral Home and Crematory, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake with a reception to follow. Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service or to leave a condolence to the family. ·