Virginia Blackwell James was born October 21, 1935, in Taylorsville, MS to the union of John Henry and Jerry Lee Blackwell.

She moved to the Gulf Coast at an early age and attended 33rd Avenue High School. She united with Forrest Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend E. L. Hartwell where she served faithfully as an usher, member of the choir, and a member of the hospitality ministry.

She retired from First Baptist Church in Long Beach, MS where she was employed for over 30 years. She was a member of the Boss Players CB Club and the Throttle Twisters Motorcycle Club as she enjoyed traveling across the states with the "Love of Her Life" Charles (JC) James. She also enjoyed socializing among her peers at the senior citizen complex.

Mother James was preceded in death by her husband, Charles (JC) James; brothers, William Blackwell and Wilmer Blackwell; sisters, Evangelist Flora Blackwell Carter and Eula Mae Ingram; sons, Tommy Holt, Karl James, and Douglas Holt; daughter, Patricia Holt; and grandchildren, Tierra Herbert and Robert Holt.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Deborah James, Pamela James, Charlie James, Willie E. (Zenobia) Holt; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; bonus children; nieces; nephews; and many other relatives and friends.