Master Sgt. James L. White (Ret.) was born Jan. 29, 1936, in Suffolk, to the late Susie White Morris. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Annie Mae Camp.

He was a 1954 graduate of East Suffolk High School and upon graduation joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served 24 years at several Air Force bases across the country. After retiring, he moved to Chesapeake and began working as a civilian for the U.S. Navy before transitioning to a position with the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis, where he retired in 2009.

James had a huge sense of humor and was a jack of all trades. As a devoted disciple of Tabernacle Christian Church in Suffolk, he was highly respected as the chairman of the Deacon Ministry, a member of the Male Chorus, Sunday School and Bible Study, where he often taught classes. James had a deep love for the Lord and an unwavering dedication to Tabernacle.

James was married to the love of his life, Louise White, for 63 cherished years. They married as high school sweethearts on July 9, 1955. Born from their union were Deborah Denise Marshall (Alan), of Chesapeake, and Jacqueline Goode (Howard Jr.), of Chesapeake. He was the doting grandfather of Nathaniel Alexander, Tia Goode, Tracy Alexander, Howard Goode IV, his wife Nicole Goode and DuKesha Goode. He was the great-grandfather of Maiyah Alexander, Nathaniel Alexander II, Jace Goode, Joiya Whitney and a great-grandpuppy, Zoe. He leaves them and a host of cherished brother- and sister in-laws, nieces, nephews, other family and friends to cherish his memory.

A celebration of his life will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019, at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 2714 Fredrick Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Interment to follow Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home Inc.