...James Delano Person, Sr., “Jimmy,” 89, peacefully passed away on November 18, 2025, at Farmville Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born on August 8, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, he was the eighth child of Thurman Oliver Person and Mary Ella Person. He moved to Crewe, Virginia at an early age and attended Snead Spring Elementary School.
As a young man, Jimmy lived in New York and Baltimore, Maryland. In his twenties, he joined the United States Army, proudly serving his country for four years. After leaving the Army, Jimmy became a truck driver, driving across the East Coast. He later built a lifelong career as a mechanic, a field he not only mastered but deeply loved. During his years in Baltimore, he owned and operated his own shop, Person’s Garage. After returning to Crewe, he spent over 40 years in the community and eventually retired from Peck Recycling in Richmond, Virginia— though he never truly stopped working. Anyone who needed help with a car knew they could always count on him.
Jimmy was a devoted member and Trustee of First Nottoway Baptist Church in Crewe, where he regularly attended Sunday School, Bible Study, and worship services. Known for his humor and warm spirit, he never missed an opportunity to share a joke and brighten someone’s day. Bringing joy to others was one of his greatest gifts.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rachel Jean Booker-Person; four sisters, Mary “Lou Lou” Harris, Annie Bell, Pauline Drayton, and Doris Robertson; four brothers, Foster Person, Thurman Person, Harold Person, and Robert “Bobby” Person; and one son, Damien Booker.
Left to cherish his memory are his two sisters, Marion Jeffers of Farmville, VA, and Shirley Pearmon of Crewe, VA; four sons, Kenneth Person (Janelle) of Lawrenceville, GA, Keith Williams (Debra) of Elmont, NY, Darren, and James Person Jr. of Knoxville, TN; two daughters, Sandra Booker of Richmond, VA, and Delana Person of Petersburg, VA; seventeen grandchildren, Shaundai, Rishawn, Shakar, Tasharah, Martha, Gloria, Keondra, De’Quan, Traverse, Zaire, Chante, Jamien, David, Iyanna, Nijaya, Tamaiya, and Destiny; thirteen grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Among them is his devoted niece and primary caregiver, Brenda Sanders who lovingly supported and cared for his throughout his later years.
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Previous Events
Visitation
24
Nov
504 East Street
Blackstone, VA 23824
Service
25
Nov
210 1st Nottoway Road
Crewe, VA 23930
Interment: Private
