Tributes

James Earl Highsmith was born in Robersonville, North Carolina on March 19, 1939 to the late Charlie Highsmith and Rachael Howard Highsmith. God sent his guardian angel to bring him home, September 14, 2016. James received his formal education in the Martin County School System. He worked for Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) from which he retired after over forty years of dedicated service. He also served honorably for the United States Army in which he performed active duty as well as an Army Reservist. He joined Miracle Faith World Outreach in Monroe, Connecticut where he attended until relocating to Virginia Beach, Virginia. James met and married the love of his life, Ada Ruth Atkinson Highsmith. To that union two children were born. If you knew James, then you understood what his sons and wife meant to him. They shared a bond that not even death could separate them. Their memories will be forever cherished. “Smitty” as he was affectionately called by family and friends was an attentive husband, loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. James took pride in his work, his dress and his family; making sure that there was not a need that within his power he could not handle. James gave of himself unselfishly to ensure that his family was cared for and everyone in his presence knew this as fact. James was predeceased by his youngest son, Gevoice Highsmith; siblings, Charlie Highsmith Jr., Mary Lee Terry, Ann Rankin, Ernestine Highsmith, Milton Highsmith and Emma Banks. James leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife of fifty- three years, Ada Highsmith; one son, Maurice Highsmith all of the home; one sister, Lula Terry of Baltimore, MD; one brother, Glen Highsmith (Rosa) of Bethel, CT; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Maye of Upper Marlboro, MD, Willie Atkinson of Gloucester, VA; two brothers-in-law, James Atkinson of Danbury, CT, Clarence Atkinson (Geraldine) of Greenville, NC; one granddaughter, Paris Kemp of Virginia Beach, VA; daughters-in-law, Christ Karolyn Spence of Elizabeth City, NC and Pamela Clark of Virginia Beach, VA; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Tributes

Mr. James Earl Highsmith

March 19, 1939 - September 14, 2016