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James Barrett "Jim" Walthall

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University of Richmond John Marshall High School

James Walthall Obituary

James "Jim" Barrett Walthall, 79, of Richmond, died suddenly Monday, October 3, 2005. Born in Richmond, he was the son of the late William Warren and Alice Ramos Walthall. He was a graduate of John Marshall High School and attended the University of Richmond. Mr. Walthall served in the U.S. Armed Services. He retired as Deputy City Treasurer for the City of Richmond, having served many years. He devoted his entire life to the service of others. Mr. Walthall was a fifth-generation member of First Baptist Church, where he was a deacon and church historian. He recently returned from a Baptist World Alliance meeting in London. Mr. Walthall was on the Electoral Board for the City of Richmond and was active in the Democratic Party. He was a member of the Virginia Historical Society, the Library of Virginia and the Mayflower Society. He is survived by his brother, Dr. William Warren Walthall Jr. and his wife, Virginia Ludwig Walthall of Massachusetts; his sister, Mary Ellen Walthall Brooks and her husband, Russell James Brooks Jr.; four nephews, William Warren Walthall III, Thomas Douglas Walthall, Jeffrey Barrett Walthall and Russell James Brooks III; one niece, Donna Brooks Fetrow and her husband, Stephen Kendrick Fetrow; nine great-nieces and nephews, and a number of cousins. The family will receive friends 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, October 7, in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church. Interment in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Ave., Richmond, Va. 23220.

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Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for James Walthall

28 Entries

Henrico County Democratic Committee

October 20, 2005

So many members of our Henrico County Democratic Committee knew Jimmy and worked with him over the years. He was a kind and caring person who touched many lives, and he was a great inspiration to all of us in the Henrico County Committee as well as in Virginia Democratic politics.

Carla Woods

October 11, 2005

I met Mr. Walthall when I worked at the Supreme Court of VA and he worked for the City of Richmond. He always hand carried their paperwork to our office. Along with the paperwork, he always had a smile, a kind word and some candy for me. The other young women in our office often teased me because they said I was Mr. Walthall's favorite. I was saddened to learn of his untimely death and since I only knew him through my work I did not know about his work at First Baptist. But now that I think about it, I should have known of his Christianity because his kindness was beyond measure. I pray that the family will be comforted knowing that another angel has gone home.

Russell Brooks, III

October 10, 2005

I have spent the past few days since the funeral reflecting on Jimmy's life and the countless number of lives he touched, the number of organizations he associated with and First Baptist Church; all put before himself. He enjoyed walking down the streets and avenues of the Capital City of the State of Virginia; so deep and rich in history that inspired him so, to serve all of those. Jimmy, now it is your time to walk down new streets and avenues with the Lord. My Uncle - I will miss you greatly.

Chris Bridge

October 7, 2005

I first met Jimmy during the Baliles for Governor campaign. No one was more helpful or tirelessly cheerful, even when faced with those whose approach to life and politics was relentlessly negative. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and a smile to help you adjust your attitude. Virginia politics was enriched by his involvement, and we can all learn by his example. When and how we go is up to a higher power, but what we do with the time we have is up to only us. Jimmy used it well.

Pam Watson

October 7, 2005

Jimmy was such a kind and caring person who touched so many lives. He was a great inspiration to me in Virginia Democratic politics. I will never forget his sweet personality and wonderful smile.

Tom Sanders

October 7, 2005

I echo my sister Lucy's sentiments. Jimmy was a great friend of my mother, Virginia Nicholas Sanders. Whether at church or at Democratic Party functions it was always a joy to see and chat with Jimmy. I am dismayed and disheartenned by his untimely death.

Bill Shuman

October 6, 2005

I will never forget Jim, when I turn on Mulberry, near first Baptist. I have given him many rides, and he always was talking about someother former Cadet from John Marshall High School or our talks about 'Old Richmond'. God has a place for Jim.

Jay White

October 6, 2005

Mr. Walthall was a kind and courteous neighbor, politically insightful, and a joy to chat with during the three years I spent as his neighbor. He will be missed.

Jerry Rigby

October 6, 2005

Jimmy was a friend for 35 years. He made moving to Richmond in 1972 an easy move. He was Mr. First Baptist Church and his service will be surely missed. He was a great friend to our family and showed great love and concern at the passing of my sister-in-law (Linda Raines) in March of 2003. Jimmy had a servants heart.

Rose Dranchak-Martin

October 6, 2005

A few years ago Jim and I would often see each other while waiting for the bus at 10th and Broad to go home after work. We had many good conversations especially about times at John Marshall and the class of '56. My sympathy to the family.

Jerry Howard

October 6, 2005

Jim was a great friend, and inspired us all. He will missed by us all. May God bless his family in their time of loss. Jim is now folded in the arms of God for eternity. Goodby, good friend.

Amy Porzio

October 6, 2005

I am a childhood friend of Donna Brooks-Fetrow. As a teenager, two friends and I took a grand roadtrip to Richmond to see our friend, Donna. As part of our time in Richmond, "Uncle Jim" took us on a tour of Richmond that only a native son could. Uncle Jim so kind to take the time from his day for three teenagers from New Jersey. Later, at Steve and Donna's wedding, I reminded Uncle Jim of that tour and how much it meant to us. I've always thought if you looked up "Southern Gentleman" in the dictionary, Uncle Jim's picture would be there.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Heaven has another angel.

Amy Porzio

Raymond Talley

October 6, 2005

Jim, Thanks for all the great memories that we shared at John Marshall and for being there in special times of need.

May the gracious "GOD OF ALL" welcome you in his arms and keep you eternally. I know you will be missed.

Raymond W. Talley

Bumpass, Va.

Bobby Watson

October 6, 2005

Jimmy was a great guy. He did so many good things for his fellow man and community, but as a loyal Democrat, he had no equal! As one who greatly benefitted from his work for the Party, I say thanks!

BARBARA HENDRICKS

October 6, 2005

GOD BLESS JIM WALTHALL! I DO NOT KNOW OF ANYONE I ADORED AND ADMIRED MORE THAN JIM. HE WAS A TRUE MARSHALLITE AND HELPED SO MUCH WITH OUR JMHS 1948 CLASS REUNIONS, FROM THE 10TH TO THE 55TH. WE NEEDED HIM AROUND IN 2008 FOR OUR 60TH. HE LOVED EVERYONE AT JMHS AND ESPECIALLY HAD SO MANY FRIENDS IN THE 1948 AND 1949 CLASSES. HE WAS A GENTLEMAN AND WELL LOVED BY ALL. I AM SO SORRY I AM UNABLE TO BE IN RICHMOND FOR THE FUNERAL, BUT SOMEDAY I WILL MEET HIM AGAIN IN HEAVEN WITH THE ANGELS. JIM WAS AN ANGEL! HE LOVED ME AND CALLED ME "FUZZY GIRL" AND, AS CHAIRMAN MYSELF, I CALLED ON JIM FOR ADVICE SO MANY TIMES. HE WAS A GREAT CADET AND ALWAYS LOVED THE JMHS CADET CORPS. WE, IN THE CLASS OF 1948, EXTENDS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF A GREAT FRIEND AND SCHOLAR!

I WILL BE IN THOUGHTS ALL DAY ON THURSDAY WITH ALL OF HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

LOVINGLY, BARBARA "FUZZY" MARSHALL HENDRICKS

Rev. Lucy Sanders

October 5, 2005

I am a daughter of Virginia Sanders, one of Jimmy's closest friends. Jimmy's death is a blow to Mom. Growing up at FBC, I remember Jimmy's wonderful smile and sense of humor.He was such a gentle, kind man who lived his Christian faith. All the work for the church, much of it behind the scenes, is impressive. He was a great friend to Mom. They went to so many Democratic events together. They shared a lot of jokes and great times together. All of us in the Sanders family knew Jimmy and send our love and prayers to his family in their grief.

Lewis Musick

October 5, 2005

Jim was a very good and decent man. He cared about others and it showed in his actions. He was very special and will be dearly missed by his many friends throughout the state. May God bless and keep him forever in his care.

Wayne & Frances Jackson

October 5, 2005

Jim was always a friend and supporter of all who knew him. He was always there to help the John Marshall High School Cadet Corps and to guide young men and women to do their best in all situations. Who could forget his many pictures of the Corps which provide such a wonderful history for all cadets. We will miss him so very much. Our deepest sympathy to his family.

E. Marshall Buckles

October 5, 2005

As he was to many others, Jimmy was always very kind and welcoming to my wife and me at First Baptist. I was always touched and inspired by his great dedication to serving our Lord Jesus Christ at First Baptist Church and in the community. I affectionately called him "Saint Jimmy, Bishop of Many Details". He truly was a "Baptist Saint", a great servant of Christ. I know that Our Lord Jesus Christ has welcomed Jimmy with "WELL DONE"! May God grant Jimmy eternal peace and I know that, somehow, Jimmy is now busy serving the Lord in heaven as he did so well on earth!

Tim and Tyler Duffey

October 5, 2005

Jimmie will be greatly missed. He always had a cheerful, smiling face and a kind soul. We are thankful for having the opportunity to know him.

Ashleigh Brooks

October 5, 2005

Whenever I saw Jimmy at church he would always smile and ask me how I was. He was such a sweet man and I will miss him a lot. Whenever I think of First Baptist Church, I think of Jimmy. My mother, Beanie, and I will always remeber him and he will always have a place in our hearts.

Frank Lively

October 5, 2005

The meaning of a true 'servant.' A good friend for most of my formative years. He will be missed by many and I do not see a replacement for his willingness, his love of man and his love of his God.

catherine Walker

October 5, 2005

It was truly a blessing to know Jimmy. His beautiful smile, true kindness, generous spirit and infectious enthusiasm will be greatly missed, but never forgotten by the many people whose lives he touched.

Missy Neff

October 5, 2005

Jimmy will be missed by so many. I always appreciated his smile and bright attitude towards everything. He made everyone feel like they had a friend in him.

David Maynard

October 5, 2005

Jimmie was a kind, warm-hearted, devoted member of First Baptist Church and always had nice things to say to me and my family. His presence will be missed here, but I know that he is serving our Lord in Heaven.

Bob Tabor

October 5, 2005

It is a very sad day to learn of Jimmy's passing. Whenever I think of First Baptist Church, I think of him. He was the first to call out your name and he always wore a smile. He will be sorely missed.

Barbara & Gary Eck

October 5, 2005

We will miss his constant presence in the Church halls, his ready smile and his willingness to go "Out of his way" to help in any situation, no matter how small.

Jerry Carr

October 4, 2005

As all who were blessed to know Jim, already knows, he was one of the kindest, most gentle, and wonderful men the Good Lord has ever shared with us. I have no doubt he is in his rightful place: Very near his Lord Jesus. Peace be with his family in knowing we all share their loss in celebrating his life.

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