Norfolk —
James Martin Kinlaw, 71, died Feb. 20, 2016, in Commonwealth Memory Care Center, Norfolk. He is survived by his wife, Bernadette; his brother Bobby of Nevada; his sister Sandy of Poquoson; nieces and nephews; Bernadette’s family; and his longtime cherished friend Jo Anne Byrum of Parrish, Fla. His sister Peggy predeceased him.
He was a Norfolk native, a Maury High School graduate and served two tours in the Army in Vietnam. He worked for decades at Leigh Memorial Hospital as an HVAC technician. But he loved retirement best.
James was a Y devotee, ancient-history lover, Stonehenge student, Druid wannabe, kid whisperer and Green Bay Packers fan. He approached everyone and everything with a wide-open heart. He loved all these things, many of them beyond measure: sporting events, adventures and meals with friends; ice cream; the steam room; the Ghent Inn; Tuesday dinners with Buddy; apple martinis; “Rocky” movies; relaying slightly fact-impaired stories; Mets games with Bob; Debbie’s unparalleled oatmeal; “Star Trek”; sharing trivia; Skogaritas; handlebar mustaches; daily routines; Mickey Spillane crime novels; Saturday walks with Janet; the Ice Bowl; all kinds of music, from any Hank Williams song to “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”; John Wayne; and his young friend Jack Skog, whom he treasured from Day One.
Arrangements are being handled by Family Choice Funerals and Cremations, 5401 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach.
Visitation at the informal memorial service will be 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. March 19. For details, see FamilyChoiceFunerals.com. Instead of flowers, consider a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or to Zero, The End of Prostate Cancer.
Rockabye, sweet baby James.
I did not expect to see this, and I am deeply saddened by your loss. My thoughts are with you in this time of grief.
May James be at rest and his memory cherished by the many friends he made.
Bernadette, I am so sorry. you are in my prayers and in my thoughts.
My Dearest Cousin Bernadette,
I am so sorry to hear of James’ passing. I am doubly sorry I never got to experience you both together to have enjoyed beers and bluster. You’re a great companion and he was lucky to have been blessed with you, as I’m sure you were with him.
My heart aches for you.
All my love,
Cousin Ray
Bernadette, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Although I never met him, I have enjoyed knowing about David though our mutual buddies. We are saving a chair for you!
Patti
Bernadette,
We are so sorry for your loss. James was a sweet, gentle soul. We hope all the great times you had together comfort you now.
Love, Helen and Paul
I’m so sorry for your loss. James was one of a kind and a joy to be around. Thinking of you, Bernadette, and James’ other loved ones during this difficult time.
Bernadette, I’m so sorry to learn of your most recent heartache. I wish I’d had the opportunity to meet James. From the beautifully written account of his life and passing, it sounds as if he was an amazing man.
I am so sorry for your loss. My good thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please accept my condolences. May your memories always be sweet.
Bernadette:heartfelt condolences. May memories console you.
All the best.