James Hersey Massey Jr., 83, of Richmond, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, James Hersey Massey Sr. and Marian Thurston Massey.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Tomlin Massey; and his four children, Rene Lynn Massey, Sherry Kay Massey, James Hersey Massey III, Charles Dandridge Massey; his grandchildren, Danielle Corbin Ashjian, Monica Blair Ashjian, Riley Elizabeth Massey, Hayden Dandridge Massey, Julia Grace Chung, Ava Isabelle Chung; and his sisters, Duanne Massey Hawkins and Jane Massey-Redd.
Jim was born into a large and loving family on Sept. 10, 1940. Growing up on a farm in King and Queen County, he became proficient in many life skills from which he benefited his entire life. He would probably say his first big success was winning a blue ribbon at a local fair as he proudly showed a calf he had raised. As a teenager, he learned basic masonry skills while working for a local bricklayer.
His first grade teacher was his mother, who instilled his love of reading. He graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in 1958, excelling in all sports there. He attended Bridgewater College and was a veteran of the United States Army.
Jim went on to a successful 29-year career in banking and technology, starting with United Virginia Bank, which was renamed Crestar Bank, and later merged with SunTrust Bank.
Jim met the love of his life, Wanda, during high school. Even though they attended different schools, their connection formed through various high school sporting events and social gatherings. They were married on Sept. 16, 1961, and celebrated 62 years of loving and devoted marriage.
In 2001, Jim retired and spent time as a management consultant, refreshing his piano playing skills, traveling with Wanda and spending time as a devoted grandfather with his grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered by many for his business acumen and leadership, his love of God, music and his family, both immediate and extended.
The funeral service was 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, at Beulah Church with the Rev. Wade Inge officiating. The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, at Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home, Saluda Chapel. Interment followed at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Beulah Church Cemetery Fund, care of Bill Massey, P.O. Box 1070, Urbanna, VA 23175. For additional information, please call 757-870-7439.
Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda assisted the family.
