JAMES J. RANSOM SR.

Mr. James "Jim" Jerome Ransom Sr. was born on Feb. 7, 1943, in Warrenton, N.C., to the late Robert E. Ransom Sr. and Esther E. Jerome Ransom. On Oct. 6, 2014, God called home this Christian soldier who led a blessed life of practicing his faith, dedication to his family and service to his community.

In his early years, James was affectionately known as "Jimmie". He was a respectful, industrious and bright young man who served diligently as an acolyte at the All Saints Episcopal Church where his mother was the organist. Jimmie enjoyed Boy Scouts, fishing, and photography. He graduated from the John R. Hawkins High School in 1961.

James left Warrenton for Petersburg, Va., where he matriculated at Virginia State College with a major in Biology. Jim was a proud member of the Trojan Marching Band. Most importantly, it was at Virginia State where James met the love of his life, Jeanette Hawkes. After marrying Jeanette, Jim would adopt Petersburg as his hometown.

Jim served his country from 1967 to 1971 as an Air Force pharmacy technician in Tachikawa, Japan. Following graduation from college, Jim began a long and successful career as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Wyeth Labs and SmithKline. He was frequently recognized nationally as a leading producer and was a favorite among his customers. He attributed his success in part to his strategy of wearing bright, multi-colored ties. These made him stand out, giving him an opportunity to tell a story.

Jim launched a second career in the area of transportation. He was a valued employee at Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia Overland of Richmond, Va. Jim spent many years as head of pupil transportation for the Petersburg Public Schools until his retirement in 2008. He was an innovative manager and became known state-wide for his efforts championing student and driver safety.

Jim was a consummate Episcopalian. While a student at Virginia State, Jim became a congregant of St. Stephen's Episcopal. His loyalty and commitment to Saint Stephen's was varied – vestry member, chief warden, church school bus driver, Men's Club member, Boy Scout troop leader and choir member. In addition to his church activities, Jim was an active member of the Greater Petersburg community. He served as state-wide president of the Parent Teachers Association, Ward Electoral Judge, Red Cross first aid/CPR trainer; Treasurer, Die Progressive Herren; and president of The Round Top Neighborhood Watch. Jim was always willing to lend a helpful hand and was often the first "Good Samaritan" to jump out of his car to assist at accident scenes.

After retiring, Jim translated his long-time interest in coins into a true passion and founded the Central Virginia Coin Club. He was frequently asked to perform evaluations for collectors, owners and estates throughout the Mid Atlantic.

Anyone who knew Mr. Ransom knows he often had a funny story, historical factoids or witty words of encouragement. He made friends wherever he went especially with fellow fans of the Washington Redskins.

Jim leaves to cherish his memory a multitude of loved ones: his beloved wife and best friend of 46 years, Jeanette; his daughter, Gisele Jerreka Garraway; his son, James J. Ransom, Jr.; his brother, Robert E. Ransom Jr.; his sister, Sylvia J. Fletcher; two granddaughters, Darena Garraway and Julianna Ransom; four grandsons, Dwight Garraway, D'Angelo Brown, Kyle Cotman Jr, and Dimitri Broughman; daughter-in-law, Danielle Ransom; sisters-in-law Ruth Ransom, Ernestine Brown, Doris Hawkes and Marianne D. Williams; brother-in-law, Sam Fletcher; son-in-law, Levi A. Garraway; devoted friend, Judy Hawkes;and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim Ransom will be remembered as an ever industrious, kind, affable and genuine Christian of high moral character who was dedicated to living the life that Jesus calls men to lead: he served his God, his country, his family and his community.

Services for Mr. James J. Ransom Sr. will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 228 Halifax St., Petersburg, Va., the Rev. Willis R. Foster, Rector, eulogist. Interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

Wake services will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2014, at the funeral establishment.

The family will receive friends at 407 Roundtop Ave., Petersburg, Va.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Stephens Episcopal Church Men's Club.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Ransom at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.