James (Jim, Jimmy) Orsini of Virginia Beach, Virginia, joined his loving wife Martha in Paradise on December 4, 2024. He was 94 years old.

Born in Worthington, West Virginia to Sylvia and Domenick Orsini, he grew up there, playing football for Monongah High School before joining the US Navy. Jim served aboard several ships as a Gunner’s Mate before becoming a Navy Diver, skilled in SCUBA and Deep Sea (hard hat) diving. He shared many fond memories of diving on tropical reefs. He loved his job!

In 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Martha, settling into their home in Virginia Beach, and becoming father to her three children. And, he was the best Dad ever. He loved to take us in his old Willis Jeep down the beach from Sandbridge to Carolina, and he loved the Outer Banks—pretty much any place with sun, ocean and beach. Oh, and he LOVED Corvettes.

After retiring from the Navy, Jim began a twenty year career as a brakeman for Norfolk & Western Railway, now Norfolk Southern. After he retired from N&W he enjoyed traveling with his wife Martha. He also took his grandson, Jamie, to car shows, often. A big passion of Jimmy’s were his five different fig trees in his backyard. He enjoyed caring for them, especially along the side of his daughter, Sue.

Jim was predeceased by his father Domenick, his mother Sylvia Orsini Murphy, his stepfather James Murphy, his wife, Martha, stepson H.L. “Lanny” Williams, and four brothers, Larry Thomas (Tommy), Dominick (Nick, Junior), and William (Billy) Orsini. He is survived by his daughters, Theresa “Teri” Cowan (Bob), and Carol Sue “Suzi” Williams, grandson James (Jamie) Daniel, brothers Tony Orsini of Worthington, and Robert “Bobby” Murphy of Mims, Florida, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.

A Family Memorial will be held at a later date. James will rest beside his Martha, in the home and heart of his daughter, Sue. Memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Charity of your choice. James loved kids. Cremation Society of Virginia is handling the arrangements.