James Kenneth Alvis, Jr, “Jim,” 85, went to be with the Lord on Monday, October 14, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born in Maya Guez, Puerto Rico, to the late James Kenneth Alvis, Sr. and Sara Timberlake Alvis. They moved to Newport News, where he met the love of his life, Wanda Smith, in the 7th grade. He was their paperboy and would save her house for last so they could spend time together. He graduated from Warwick High School in 1957 and attended Virginia Tech. He and Wanda got married in July 1961 and later had 3 children.
Jim was a man of faith and a member of West Hampton Baptist Church since 1961 where he served in various leadership roles. He worked with the Youth, served as Sunday School Director, served on the Counting Committee, and was a church Deacon since the 1960s. Always the giving soul, he spent many hours helping others during mission trips to Belize, Mexico, Mississippi, and other places. He worked for many years as a Certified Land Surveyor and retired from the City of Newport News. He loved spending time in the Outer Banks with his family and friends, where he enjoyed fishing and flying kites. Not only did he enjoy the beach, but he liked hiking in the mountains and hiked several miles of the Appalachian Trail. He and Wanda had monthly dinner dates with a neighborhood group of friends. Jim also spent time bird-watching and was especially fond of bluebirds and hummingbirds.
The most important thing to Jim was his family, and he loved spending time with them. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Thomas Beverly Alvis, Sr, his Father-in-law Jack Smith, Mother-in-Law Gertrude Smith, and Brother-in-Law Wayne Smith. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Wanda, and his children, D’Lane Crute (Dan), Greg Alvis (Karen), and Christy Smith (Dan). He adored his grandchildren Jamie Crute (Ashley), Justin Crute (Chrissy), Jordan Crute, Lauren Alvis, Kimberly Alvis, Kyle Alvis (Samantha), Megan Walker (Zach), Ryan Smith, and Race Smith, as well as his great-grandchildren Casen Crute, Jordan Goins, Jude Swann, and Colton Alvis. Also left to cherish his memory are his sister, Lucy Hearn (George), Sister-in-Law, Juanita Alvis, and Sister-in-Law, Sally Smith. He will be greatly missed by a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends, including his long-time friend, Bob Krause. Lastly, his much-loved and spoiled African Grey Parrot, Pepper, will be lost without him.
Come celebrate Jim’s life with us on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00 in the morning at West Hampton Baptist Church at 631 Aberdeen Rd, Hampton, VA.
Donations can be made to West Hampton Baptist Church.
4 Comments
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Wanda, Greg, Christy and D’Lane, Karen and the entire family. I had no idea of his many accomplishments, and I didn’t know he was a Hokie! May he Rest in Peace.
Sending my condolences on your loss D’Lane, Dan and family. Sounds like he had a wonderful full life. I believe my dad knew his father-in-law Jack Smith if it’s the Jack Smith that was in the Lions Club. God bless you all and bring you peace.
Wanda and family
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a true man of God. I enjoyed working with him at the City and at Church. He will be missed by the Church he loved.
Wanda and Families,
You are in my prayer. I thought we were on Facebook together. Sorry.
We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8
As Christians, we are journeying through this world. It isn’t our home, and our citizenship is in another land.
In Christ Name, Janet NRBC