James Thomas Reynolds, Sr. was called to his heavenly home on February 2, 2021. He was born in Scotland Neck, North Carolina on May 26, 1937 to the late Blake and Martha Ann Reynolds.
He attended Norfolk Public Schools and later joined the United States Air Force in 1955. Throughout his 27 years of military service, Mr. Reynolds was a graduate of the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Air University, Gunter AFB, Alabama. He also attended the University of Maryland (European Division) in Vito Air Station, Italy and St. Leo College, Fort Eustis, VA. Mr. Reynolds became proficient in two different specialties; administration and intelligence.
Serving twice with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, (NATO) his assignments included the Allied Air Force Headquarters in France, and the 4th Tactical Air Force Liaison in Italy. His dedicated service led to choosing assignments in England, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and other noteworthy military assignments. They distinguished assignments including a special staff assignment with the Military Assistance Command, Saigon Vietnam, the United States Security Command in San Vito, Italy and training the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in Jubail, Saudia Arabia, where he was merited an Outstanding Achievement Award. Other military awards include Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal and Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year. Additionally, Mr. Reynolds was part of the Ninth Tactical Intelligence Squadron, Langley AFB, VA. He went on to retire as Senior Master Sergeant, after serving at the Pentagon with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
Mr. Reynolds’ life reflects a strong commitment to the value of service to others. During his lifetime, he was a devoted member of New Beech Grove Baptist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Trustee Board and the Building and Planning Committee. He would later become the Food Service Ministry Leader and Vice Chair of the Pastoral Search Committee. His devotion went beyond his service within the church. He was a member of the Virginia Baptist State Convention, being appointed by the president as trustee of the Children’s Home of Virginia Baptist State Convention. He was a member of the Tidewater Laymen, the Virginia State Laymen, and National Baptist Laymen, where he designed a lapel pin and logo used by the state Laymen’s League of the Virginia Baptist. Additionally, Mr. Reynolds was a life-long member of the NAACP, where he chaired the Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Mr. Reynolds was a man of integrity who was always willing to help others. The impression he made on others will live on in our hearts forever.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Reynolds was preceded in death by his three sons Quinton, Marcus and James T. Reynolds, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted wife, Ruby Reynolds of 62 years; daughters, Gwen Johnson (Dewitt), Sylvia Williams, and Danielle Faison; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A walk-through viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2021, in New Beech Grove Baptist Church. A private livestream funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at whitingsfuneralhome.com. COVID-19 restrictions will be observed at all services.
Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting’s Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com
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