James T. Beamon, Jr.

James Thomas Beamon Jr., son of the late James Thomas Sr. and Gertrude Walker Beamon, was born March 6, 1946 in Nansemond County (now Suffolk), Virginia and quietly slipped away December 31, 2018 at 8:48 p.m. James, also affectionately known as “Butterbean” and “Fox,” was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to many. James attended John F. Kennedy High School. While attending secondary school, he began driving the school bus where he was once a passenger. James was later drafted into the United States Army on September 27, 1967. While in service, he was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, three Bronze Service Stars, and a Vietnam Campaign Metal. After leaving the military, he worked local jobs until he began working for Vico Construction, where his brother Alton worked as well. James worked for Vico Construction for several years before beginning his employment on December 1, 1976 as a crane operator at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It was while working at NNSY that he met the love of his life, Vickie Perkins. While continuing to work at NNSY, James drove a charter bus for Gaines Bus Service and Ace Charter. Also during this time, he became the proud owner/operator of J&V (James & Vickie) Beamon Hauling, Inc. When the economy fell, he and his wife decided to dissolve the business. James was an avid bowler with the Charles Peete League where he participated in many local and state tournaments. Here James met his teammate and lifelong friend, Ester Johnson. James continued bowling until his health began to fail. He also enjoyed racing cars with his brother Alton. His love for racing equipped him with the skills to become an auto mechanic. James was also a member of the Tidewater Gospel Choral Union, which is an extension of the Thomas A. Dorsey National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. James and Vickie were united in marriage on October 14, 1989, and from this union Alicia and Myesha were born. James was previously a member of Mt. Ararat Christian United Church in Suffolk, Virginia. After marriage, he joined Macedonia Baptist Church where he served as a dedicated and devoted member. He served on the Deacon Board, Pastor’s Aide, and as president of the Inspirational Choir. He was also a member of the Hospitality Ministry and Male Chorus. Additionally, he would fill in as a Sunday school teacher and act as Sunday school Superintendent when needed. James loved talking to any and everyone with whom he encountered, and he was loved by many. James is preceded in death by his two brothers, Melvin Zachary and Alton Beamon. He is survived by his loving wife, Victoria Perkins Beamon, daughters Stephanie (Melvin) Belinfante of Suffolk, Virginia; Harviena Shells of Port Lucie, FL; Alicia Beamon and Myesha Beamon of Portsmouth, VA; sons, Bryan Davis of Suffolk, Virginia, and Byron Beamon (Donyale) of Louisville, Kentucky. He also leaves a daughter in Christ, Beulah Brown. He is also survived by his brother Carlton Zachary (Clarine) of Chesapeake, Virginia, and sisters, Silvia Hicks of Yonkers, New York and Diane Beamon of Warner Robins, Georgia; sister-in-law Carolyn McEachern of Marietta, N.C.; brothers-in-law, Roderick Perkins and Elton Perkins (Venus) of Norfolk, VA; Andre Perkins (Brenda) and Farley Perkins (Tonya) of Chesapeake, VA; Darius Perkins (Stephanie) of Portsmouth, VA; and Cameron Perkins of Grand Prairie, TX; sisters-in-law, Sharon Saunders, Muriel Barefield, Valerie Bennett (Richard) and Lorri (Orlando) of Chesapeake, VA; Jocelyn Perkins of Jetersville, VA; Kimberly Gregory (Chris) of Portsmouth, VA; and Tracey Anbiya (Hakim) of Fredericksburg, VA. James leaves behind 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He also leaves the following godchildren: Jassie Doughtie, Bryson Stukes, and Christian Lovett. Left also to mourn his passing are his caring neighbors: Linwood Walker, Mr. & Mrs. Ron Ellis, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Zimmerman, Mrs. Patricia Jones and Sister Mae, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Albergottie, and Mr. & Mrs. George Murphy.

James T. Beamon, Jr.

March 6, 1946 - December 31, 2018