Jimmy Bounds passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 15, 2021.  After enduring the sudden loss of his beloved wife of 64 years, Merle, and the difficult restrictions and isolation as a result of COVID, Jimmy was ready to be reunited with the love of his life.
James Herbert Bounds, Jr. was born on September 24, 1938, to the late James H. Sr. and Mabel Bounds.  He grew up in the Buckroe section of Hampton, Virginia.  Jimmy was a proud graduate of Hampton High School where he met and married Merle DeAlba and formed many life-long friendships. During high school, Jimmy served as a volunteer with the Buckroe Fire Department.  As an electrical contractor, he and his father established J. H. Bounds & Son – a small business with a tremendous reputation. Later, Jimmy would become co-owner of Bay Electric Company and Bounds & Taylor Electric.

Jimmy had a strong faith in God.  He was raised in the Baptist faith and worshipped at Hampton Baptist Church. Upon marriage, he, his wife, and children were members at Aldersgate Methodist Church where he taught youth Sunday school.  Jimmy was a member of St. Tammany Lodge #5 A. F. & A. M. where he was a 32nd degree Mason.  He was also a member of the Hampton Lions Club.

Throughout his life, Jimmy enjoyed many interests and hobbies – fishing, crabbing, hunting, golfing, playing bridge, cards, and board games.  He was definitely known for his quick wit.  Jimmy loved family trips when his children were young and was able to travel the world later in his life.  

Of all of Jimmy’s accomplishments, he would proudly put his family at the top of the list.  He absolutely adored his wife, Merle, and was so proud of his girls.  A very tender-hearted, loving man with an incredible love for children, he was so happy to be blessed with five grandchildren. Jimmy was proud to be front and center at any and all of their events/activities through the years.  As the family continued to grow, he was further blessed with five beautiful great-grandchildren.  

In the words of L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz – “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.”  To that end, Well Done, Jimmy Bounds!
Left to cherish and honor his memory are his daughters:  Cheryl Oliver (Barry), Cathy Brandt (Mike), Amy Corbett, Jamie Janik (Stan); grandchildren: Jimmy Greene (Crystal), Brent Corbett, Perry Janik (Mary), Melanie Janik (Andrew), Patrick Corbett (Haley); great-grandchildren:
Wyatt, Drew, Adalynn, Ophelia, and Owen; sister, Sandra Moore, and brother, David Bounds (Sharon); sisters-in-law, Carolyn Schaffer (Joe), Win Sowder (Terry); and many nieces and nephews.

Due to the current COVID mandates, a private memorial service for family will take place at the Peninsula Funeral Home.  A public graveside service, with Masonic Rites, will take place on Saturday, May 8 at 3:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Memorial Park, 12750 Warwick Blvd., Newport News.  Guests are required to wear masks and keep their social distance. All friends and family are invited to attend.  If you plan to join us, please feel free to meet at the parking lot of Peninsula Funeral Home at 2:30 p.m. to join the procession. This service will be especially meaningful as Jimmy and Merle will be interred together in their final resting place.  

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Northampton Convalescent and Nursing facility for their devotion and care of their father.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.