It was on November 25 ^th in the year 1930 that James Hottumb Christian began his earthly journey.  He was one of four born to Lillie Pearl and Roosevelt Christian in the County of Amherst, Virginia.

Upon completion of his education in the Amherst County Public  School System, he decided to join the military.  It was there that he became a member of the Army's 101 Airborne Division and served in the Korean War.   This service to his country was cut to two years when he was discharged from the service due to a hearing disability caused by the canon fire.

Once discharged from the military, he obtained a job as an Assistant Kitchen Foreman at what was then called The United States Soldiers' and Airmen's Home located in Washington, D.C.  (Today it's referred to as The Armed Forces Retirement Home.)  Even though the days of combat were behind him, his love and service to the military was kept alive as he interacted and served disabled and retired veterans on a daily basis.  He became a full-time cab driver after retiring from Soldiers' home until his health made it no longer practical.

He was a simple man of few words.  Despite the success of his personal ventures, he always remained low key.  He attended art and tailoring school and had a love for horse racing which took him to the track several times a week.   His love for the military continued as an active member of the American Legion.

In the early morning hours on May 6 ^th of this year,  the veil was traversed.  His family takes comfort in knowing his spirit is in the company of loved ones whose journey's end preceded his; especially parents Lillie and Roosevelt as well as older siblings Lawrence and Nancy.  And we hope his spirit takes comfort in knowing its body has been properly prepped and is awaiting resurrection.

Left behind to celebrate his transition are wife of fifty seven years Melva Lewis Christian,  two sons, James Melvin Christian and Warren Jackson, their offspring - his grandchildren: Adam, Brittney, Chelsey, Jamie and Miriam, one daughter and best friend Lynetric Jewel Carpenter and her son – his grandson Jermaine, his sister Lula Osborne, daughter-in-laws Diane Christian and Patsy Jackson, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends.

Our family would like to express its gratitude for the love and support we've received during this time of reflection.  Your prayers and well wishes have been a source of comfort and have provided a respite from our grief.

And last but most importantly…we give ALL honor and glory to our Heavenly Father for His divine Plan of Salvation and to the Atonement that has been bestowed us by His Only Begotten son, Jesus the Christ. We have received a personal witness to the decree "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted" and endowed with the peace that passes all understanding.

"May the Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another."  ~ Genesis 31:49 ~

In lieu of flowers, our request is that you provide an act of service for the disabled, elderly or a veteran.