James Joyner

James Herbert Joyner, 90, of Petersburg, VA, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 28, 2012 surrounded by his children. Born in Southampton County, VA, he was the son of the late John Herbert and Geneva Cobb Joyner. A member of â??The Greatest Generation,â? Mr. Joyner proudly served his country in the U. S. Army and as a B-17 pilot in the Army Air Corp during World War II. An electrician by trade, he worked at Allied Chemical for 32 years. He and his wife, Nancy Fuller Joyner, who predeceased him in 2003, were lifetime members of Monumental Baptist Church, where he was active in the Gibson Bible Class. A history enthusiast, Mr. Joyner was especially interested in Civil War history and the many battles and engagements that took place in the area. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed traveling. Above all, he was a loving father and grandfather, and will be deeply missed by his family. In addition to his parents and spouse, Mr. Joyner was predeceased by a daughter, Debra Joyner Love. He is survived by his children, Rebecca Ann Joyner of Dinwiddie, Sandra Joyner Shockley and husband, Patrick of Sutherland, David William Joyner of Petersburg, and Sarah Joyner Rigby and husband, Kenny of Winter Springs, FL; grandchildren, Matthew R. Shockley and wife, Sara, Jonathan D. Shockley, Rachael Rigby Hart and husband, Jonathan, and Samuel B. Rigby; sister, Julia Love Smith of Colonial Heights; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1st at Grace Baptist Church with Pastor Raleigh Nunnally officiating. Interment will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Memorial gifts may be made to the Grace Baptist Church Missions Fund, 23814 River Road, Petersburg, VA 23803 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .