James Johnathan Braxton Sr.

Mr. James Johnathan Braxton, Sr., age 69, passed away on November 27, 2023.  He was born in 1954 to the late Levi and Amber Braxton.  A native New Yorker, James and his wife Linda have resided in Fredericksburg, VA since 1998.  James was a career federal civil servant.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after leaving Bayside High School at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged from active-duty naval service into the Naval Reserves.  Upon leaving the military, he was inspired to pursue his education and enrolled at West Virginia State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business and an Associates Degree in Banking and Finance.  James also received a Master of Science Degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. 

Upon graduation James accepted a commission in 1982 through the Extended Program as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Air Defense Artillery Branch.  James retired as a U.S. Army Colonel with over 30 years of active and reserve service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army.  During his military reserve service, he served as the Command Inspector General for the 80^th TASS Command, Richmond, VA; Deputy Chief of Staff Comptroller (G8), 80^th Division Institutional Training, Brigade Executive Officer, Battalion Commander, Battalion Executive Officer, and Brigade Logistics Officer. 

James’ career in civil service included a variety of leadership positions. His final position was as Chief in the Office of Diversity and Leadership, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington DC.

James was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Saluda VA; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity; Vash Naha Social Organization, and the Masonic Lodge.  James loved reading, walking, motorcycling, and attending NBA games. 

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a brother, Ernest Lee Smith; a sister, Valerie Carr; his stepmother, Lillie Braxton; and stepbrother, Stanley Hodges. 

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda Manning Braxton; son, James (Israel) Braxton, Jr. (Phyllis) of Stafford, VA; brother, Levi Braxton lll of Saluda, VA; stepsisters, Callie Avis Dugas of Beaumont, TX, Mary Corrine Pearson (Donald) of Newark, DE, and Gloria Jean Holmes of Urbanna, VA; sisters-in-law, Lousie Smith of Kannapolis, NC and Carolyn Hodges of Woodbridge, VA;  grandchildren, Jada Braxton, James Braxton III, Noah Israel, Gabriel Israel, Madison Israel; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and tons of lifelong friends.

A Service to celebrate James’ life will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 327 Town Bridge Road, Saluda, VA  23149.  The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 AM. Interment will be in Immanuel Baptist Church Cemetery Annex with Military Honors.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org or P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or American Heart Association at heart.org or P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda, VA is assisting the Braxton Family with arrangements.