PORTSMOUTH—Langley Earl James (Big Daddy) passed away August 31, 2026 at the age of 100. He was born at the Little Island Coast Guard Station in Virginia Beach on December 21, 1925 to the late Early Washington and Maddie Williams James. He served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War ll. After the war he was instrumental in founding the Oceana Volunteer Fire Department. His love of aviation and serving the community continued for many years at Naval Station Norfolk and Norfolk International Airport in crash, fire and rescue.

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Eileen Marie Erickson James. He is survived by his children Calvin Boyd James, Charles Macy James and Margaret Sawyer Perkins; grandchildren Michael Anderson “Andy” Perkins, Jr., Anna Elizabeth Sawyer, Daniel Edward Sawyer, Mary Rebekah James Bortot (Zachary); great-grandchildren Seth Connor James, Eva Marie James, Daniel Edward Sawyer, Jr., Emma Elizabeth Young, Adam Langley Young; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Mary Paul and her family for their loving, compassionate care of our precious Big Daddy during the last year of his life.

A Requiem Eucharist will be held on Saturday, November 14th at 11a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 424 Washington St., Portsmouth, VA 23704. The service will be followed by burial in the Memorial Garden with military honors and a reception in Chisholm Hall. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.