James David Willcox

James David Willcox obituary, Petersburg, VA

James David Willcox

James Willcox Obituary

Visit the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory - Petersburg website to view the full obituary.

James David “Dave” Willcox, Sr., 76, of Bracey, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Born in Petersburg, Virginia on June 3, 1948, to the late Robert Crawford and Marion Jeanette Lynn. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, James E. Willcox.

Dave dedicated much of his life to hard work and service; he proudly served in the United States Navy, earning the National Defense Service Medal. After the Navy, he went on to work at Honeywell as a Pipefitter and retired after 26 years. He then went on to retire from the United States Postal Service after 18 years as a Mail Carrier. Dave was a member of the American Legion Post in South Hill, Virginia, and in his free time, he found joy in collecting various items, including coins and cards. He was also a devoted member of Ephesus Baptist Church in South Hill.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Diane Willcox; daughter, Frances Haggerty (David); sons, James David Willcox, Jr. (Sheila) and Wayne Turner (Jennifer); grandchildren, Christopher Shackelford, David Shackelford, Britni Shackelford, Jacob Shackelford, Rylee Shackelford, Kailyn Bullock, James David Willcox, III, Kayla Pisall, Aiden Turner, Ella Turner, Tessa Turner, and Sadie Turner; eight great-grandchildren; brother, George Willcox (Susan); aunt, Thelma Lane Milliner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Crater Road Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 3935 S Crater Road, Petersburg, Virginia 23805. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Blandford Cemetery, Petersburg, Virginia.

Contributions may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, www.npcf.us/ways-to-donate/#donation-form

E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory - Petersburg

3935 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805

Make a Donation
in James Willcox's name

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Willcox's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more