James Edward VanNess
January 23, 1942 - February 10, 2022
James Edward VanNess, aka “Edward”, “Uncle Jimmy” and “Uncle Edward”, passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Kent General Hospital in Dover, DE.
Born in Opelika, AL on January 23, 1942, he was the eldest of six children to the late David
VanNess, Sr. and Emma Esther VanNess.
James was employed by the Long Island Railroad as a Diesel Engineer for 31 years. He came to know Jehovah and was baptized in 1963 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On April 4, 1964 he married Louisa C. Rodriguez. They were married for 57 years and during that time he proved to be an excellent provider for his family. When asked, James wanted to be remembered as a reasonable and logical person, someone who was not judgmental, and had a strong love for music. He wanted to be remembered as one who believed and loved his heavenly creator, Jehovah God and his son, Jesus Christ.
In his teen years, he was a member of a singing group, the Unique Teens. James was a person who loved family, liked to have fun, laugh and dance. He was a husband, loving father, great big brother, uncle and friend. In July, 2014 he moved into Brookdale Dover Assisted Living where he was well loved and respected. He enjoyed playing chess, pool and putting together jigsaw puzzles when he wasn’t “guarding” the community remote control.
James leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Louisa; daughter, Ramona Kim; brother, David VanNess, Jr.; sisters, Celina Hilliard and Vanessa VanNess; brothers-in-law, Charles Conner, Anthony Malone (Barbara), William Malone (Kim) and Marcus Taylor; sisters-in-law, Rosa VanNess and Rachael VanNess. He also leaves to cherish his memory his nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
James was preceded in death by his sister, Michele Donaldson; brother, William Kirk VanNess, Sr.; and sisters-in-law, Ramona Conner, Audrey VanNess and Maxine Taylor.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 3 pm on Saturday, February 19, 2022 via Zoom, meeting ID# 85969194919 passcode 772744
Celina Hilliard
I am missing you already, big brother. But I have the hope of seeing you again!!!
Rhonnda Talton
I will forever remember your loving smile, your laugh and generous heart. I remember you talked to my new hubby Tony for 3 hours straight making sure he was the right man for me. Love you so much. Rest in peace Uncle Jimmy!! Love Rhonnda, Tony and Jacob.
Cheryl
We miss James and all loved him. He was a true gentleman and was nice to all. We will miss you Ramona. We know your Dad knew he was loved.
George Perez
Draw on Jehovah’s comfort, He will swallow up death forever and wipe away tears from all faces.- Isaiah 25:8. So sorry to hear about James. Love and miss u guys.
vanessa van ess
My dear brother, had I known last Sunday would have been the last I spoke to you I would have never ended our conversation. For now I will use it as a place holder until we see each other again in paradise. As Revelations 21:4 states “God will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away”.