James Franklin Hope Sr., 95, passed away Oct. 10, 2012, at Sentara Obici Hospital. He leaves behind his loving wife, Virginia.

Born in Ohio, he was the son of the late Alice and George T. Hope. James was owner and civil engineer for Reid & Hope Inc. He attended the University of Toledo School of Engineering. He later received the Gold “T” award for his outstanding service in his field and to his community. He was honored as the Contractor of the Year “SIR” in 1974. Mr. Hope served as a councilman and mayor for the city of Suffolk for many years. He was instrumental in the merger of Nansemond County and the city of Suffolk, where he served as the city’s first mayor. The Suffolk Rotary Club honored him with the First Citizen award. Mr. Hope was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II. He was a member of Oxford United Methodist Church, Lions Club and the American Legion Post 57. He had a great love for his Detroit Tigers.

Besides his loving wife of 68 years, Virginia Mount Joy Hope, he leaves behind his daughter, Virginia Lee Hope, of Suffolk; son, James F. Hope Jr., of Suffolk; his beloved pets, Peanut and Abey; and many nieces, nephews and other extended family.

A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, at 2 p.m. in Oxford United Methodist Church, 601 W. Washington St., Suffolk, VA 23434 by the Rev. Kenneth E. Hanson with burial in Holly Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1515, Suffolk, VA 23439; Suffolk Humane Society, P.O. Box 5038, Suffolk, VA 23435; or Oxford United Methodist Church. Condolences may be registered at www.rwbakerfh.com.