Tony Anthony James - Cremation Society of Virginia

Tony Anthony James

February 2, 1959 - April 21, 2022

GONE FISHING

Tony A James (TJ), SMSgt Ret, USAF, of Yorktown, Virginia, entered the gates of Heaven on April 21, 2022. Tony was born February 2, 1959, to the late Dora and John B. James, in Jacksonville NC, where he grew up. Tony had a wonderful childhood but he would say the best thing growing up was fishing. It was his passion back then.

Tony graduated from Jacksonville High School, Class of 1977 and enlisted in the Air Force November 1977. After basic training and technical training, Tony was assigned to Nellis AFB, Las Vegas Nevada, where not long after he met his future wife Valerie Ann DiCristofaro.

Tony and Valerie were married on December 31, 1981 in Las Vegas. They eventually transferred to Lajes Field Air Base, Terceira, Azores, Portugal. Three years later they were assigned to Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska and their final duty station was Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Tony retired on October 1, 2003 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8). Tony earned many awards and decorations, culminating in a distinguished career of 27 ½ years of service. He was highly respected by all who knew him.

He began his next career as a civil employee at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth Virginia, as a computer service technician, where he retired on August 1, 2020.

Tony earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science at St Leo University and many other certifications relating to computer technology.

Throughout all these years, he continued his passion of fishing. He also enjoyed cooking and having cookouts. He enjoyed cooking for his coworkers and did so often.

Tony had many passions besides fishing, but his greatest were his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and loved to brag that their last Super Bowl win was the day before his birthday.

Tony was loved by many. He always spoke kindly about everyone. He always had an infectious smile and a twinkle in his eyes. He loved to pull peoples legs and had many quotes that will always be remembered.

Those who will never forget his smile and love are his wife, Valerie, his daughter Jade’ (VJ) and their children Tyhaadi’ and Tyjah’, Yorktown, VA, his son Torrey (Stephanie) and their son Jacob, Dillwyn VA. Tony treasured his grandchildren immensely. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them.

Other treasured family include sister Pamela (Chris), brother Paul, both of Jacksonville NC, brother Michael of Durham NC, and brother Larry of Pine Bluff AK, sister-in-law Jill (Gary) Hare of Mt Jackson, PA.

Tony leaves a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves some very close friends that he considered his brothers, sisters, sons and daughters.

Tony was greeted in heaven by his parents, his sister Denise, brother Ivory, his grandparents and his best friend from childhood, Moe Rouse.

In honor of Tony’s wishes, there will be no services. Instead he asked to be cremated and his ashes spread by the duck blind near Langley AFB by his very good friend and fishing buddy, John Hunt. He wants everybody to celebrate his life at a later date with a huge cookout.

A special thank you to Riverside Hospice team and Dr. George Kannarkat and his staff, Riverside Cancer Care Center. We would also like to thank Dr. Gumpert and Dr. Graning of Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Everyone took such great care of Tony until his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that anyone who desires, to make contributions to their favorite charity in Tony’s name.

We will always remember Tony for his infectious smile, twinkle in his eyes, quirky wit and his huge generous heart.

Keep shining down on us and one day, we will meet again on the other side.

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GONE FISHING Tony A James (TJ), SMSgt Ret, USAF, of Yorktown, Virginia, entered the gates of Heaven on April 21, 2022. Tony was born February 2, 1959, to the late Dora and John B. James, in Jacksonville NC, where he grew up. Tony had a wonderful childhood but he would say the best thing growing…

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My deepest condolences to the James family. I met Tony working at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He was always eager to lend a helping hand. Always there to give encouragement to his fellow workers. I can not ever remember seeing him without a smile on his face-It was always there. I remember the day we met and I saw his favorite football logo-He asked me if I was a fan. I responded "New England" to which he responded "It's Ok, I'll still be your friend". Rest In Peace Brother.

Tony, was an amazing friend and mentor. I worked with him on the NMCI project and he took me under his wings and ensured I was ok. I was part of a traveling team from California and was on the East coast with no family or friends. Tony gave me his cellphone number and told me not to hesitate to call him. I took him up on that offer so many times and he always answered the phone and always provided advice and guidance. I always left those conversations feeling so much better than before I called him. We lost contact and I'm feeling so sad but I know that isn't what Tony would want. Tony, you will be missed. Thank you, for always being there for me.

I must have called Tony for help a million times when I started at NNSY and he answered every single time, we shared our love for the Air Force often. He was a extraordinary technician and even better man. Romans 8:18 “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.” Rest in Glory brother.

I am so saddened to hear about Mr. Tony's passing. He was so loved here at the IT service desk at NNSY. He was such a big part of this family and he will be missed. God's blessings to his family and friends on this solemn occasion. Celebrate his life because he had a great one.

I only knew Tony for a short time in his long and distinguished career. I had no idea he travelled extensively or achieved so much in his life. It only shows me that I knew such a small part of such a big man, and I missed out on a lot. He was indeed a kind and generous man and will be missed by many. He left a hole that will not be filled in this world. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

It saddens us that you are gone. We will truly miss you. Thank you for all you have done for us over the years. Personally I would like to thank you for helping me to become a better man, husband and father. I will never forget our first trip on the water. I out fished you and thought I was a fisherman. Little to say, I was humbled our second time on the water. Ashley and I still get a laugh to this day when we dropped the little one off and you couldn't find his water so you gave him EXTRA Sweet Tea! Thank you James family for sharing Tony with the world. He left the world a better place with his love for all. We love y'all and will continue to keep you all in prayers.

This is truely a tough one for me. I met him as SMSgt James, my Supervisor (ACC Conference Center Superintendent). He quickly became a Mentor, a Friend, a Father-Figure, a Big Brother, a Fishing Buddy, and an Honest Shoulder to Lean on. After the first day, he was forever known to me as "TJ". He had the Biggest Heart and would give his last to anyone that needed it. As a young NCO, with no where to go on Thanksgiving & Xmas, each year he would invited me over to his house to spend these special days with his Family. His Family became Our Family. His Wife, my Mom. His Daughter, my Sister. And his Son, my Brother. We are still very close even today. Val, Jade, and Torrey... I Love You. If you ever need anything, please let me know. TJ, We Will Forever Love You; and I Pray that You are Resting In Peace. #RESPECT

This was the most wonderful man...and teacher.... Thank you for all you life lessons.... I love ❤ u

When I applied for the conference center position I was real early. He saw me in the hallway and knew who I was and said “you must really want to work here but if you do don’t be this early for work” I had trouble getting away from my last squadron because of an inventory I took three times . They call agin and he got mad marched over with me and walked right into the office of the superintendent and said “Cerda is done here he took the inventory three three times too many he works for me now don’t call or bother him again understand” then he said let’s go Cerda. They did not call agin a month letter they sent over someone with my metal and said don’t tell SMSGT James please.

Rest easy my love. Thank you for 43 years of love and happiness. It wasn’t always perfect but I think we did a great job. Serving together in the military, raising two awesome children, and spoiling three great grandkids. I will always love you. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you on the other side. ❤️❤️❤️

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.