James Livesay Jr.

1948 - 2025

James Livesay, Jr.

September 17, 1948 - July 26, 2025

Livesay, James Andrew Jr., 76, of Richmond, departed this life on July 26, 2025. Elite athlete, world class raconteur; beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle; lifelong dear friend to many, and fitness training mentor to legions of devotees; Jim will be missed more than words can express. Perhaps one of his closest friends summed it up best: "Jimmy was Jimmy."

Jim was born in Newport News, Virginia, on September 17, 1948. From a very early age, he exhibited a preternatural athletic ability. He once said, "I could watch somebody do something (athletic) one time, and immediately do it myself." This, coupled with a ferocious competitive streak, led him to receive many accolades, including VHSL AAA triple jump state champ, First Team Southern Conference wide receiver, member of the University of Richmond Hall of Fame Tangerine Bowl team, and 3rd round NFL draft pick for the St. Louis Cardinals. Track and field, baseball, basketball, football-if he played it, he was a star. But those who knew him would acknowledge that as fierce as he was during a game, he was everyone's friend (and entertainer) away from the competition.

After Jim's professional athletic career was over, he joined the fitness business where for almost forty years he helped clients lose weight, get in shape, and mitigate the need for prescription medications through conditioning and diet. Most notably, he was fitness director at Zacharias Ganey Health Institute, helping them become "Richmond's Best." Jim took enormous pride in his work, and also in his mischievous ability to evoke laughter from gasping attendees during one of his legendary core classes.

In his spare time, Jim reveled in "relic hunting" where once again, he proved to be a natural. It was uncanny how he could discover the best places to find artifacts such as fossils and old bottles, both with a sixth sense and passionate research of the subject. Another great love of Jim's was music. He was always first to buy the coolest albums by the hottest new groups and had an unsurpassed record collection.

Most precious to Jim were his family, friends, dedicated clients, and the memory of his little canine companion, Arnold ShihTzuNegger. In his final years, Jim suffered from severe health issues that no one should have to endure, especially someone who could literally do anything on a field, court or track. But he never complained or gave up, and always maintained a positive attitude, uplifting those around him with his endless supply of hilarious stories and anecdotes, told in his inimitable way. He was a champion to the end.

Jim is survived by his brother David M. Livesay; sister-in-law Pamela W. Livesay; and nephews Brent and Cameron Trimmer (Lauren). Visitation for family and friends will be at Bliley's Central Chapel, 3801 Augusta Ave., in Richmond, on Monday, August 4th, from 5 to 6 p.m., with a celebration of Jim's life to follow at 6 p.m. A graveside service will take place at Green Hill Cemetery in Buena Vista, Virginia, on Tuesday, August 5th at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity close to your heart.

Bliley's - Central