Waverly "Jim" James Starke

Waverly "Jim" James Starke, born November 25, 1951, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the age of 73, with his loving wife and children by his side at Chippenham Hospital due to complications related to long-term, end-stage coronary disease. 

Jim was born in Hopewell, VA, to his late mother, Inez Horner Starke, and his late father, Howard Lee Starke. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy Norwood Starke; their two children, James Lee Starke and Katherine Starke Durnal, along with her husband and his "second son", Nathan Keith Durnal. Jim is also survived by his three energetic and inquisitive grandchildren, Adeline Waverly Durnal (8), Maverick James Starke (7), and Remington Lee Starke (6); as well as his sisters, Nora Lee Sacra, Betty Sue Steadman (Mack), and Carol Jean Marshall; as well as a loving and caring network of extended family and friends.

First and foremost, Jim loved his family and cherished any and every opportunity to spend time together. He relished being outside. He loved to hunt, fish, boat, camp, or do anything to enjoy the fresh air. He was a gentle giant and true gentleman to anyone he encountered. Jim grew up in Enon, VA, and attended Thomas Dale High School. There, he met his sweetheart and eventual wife, Nancy, who he started a life together that lasted over 50 years. Jim's career was spent at ICI America's/Dupont for over 40 years before retiring to enjoy boating and his grandkids. Now as Jim's spirit embarks on its next journey, he will be reunited with family, friends, and loved ones that have passed on.

 Although he will miss everyone that is left behind, he will be reunited with his mother (Inez), father (Howard), best friend and brother-in-law (Danny), and a grandson he can now hold for eternity (James Lee Starke II).

A Celebration of Jim's Life and Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m,. on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, located at 3050 West Hundred Road, Chester, VA 23831. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Chester, Virginia. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Jim's love of children and seeing them happy, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation via www.wish.org. Simply click on the red "Donate" button.