James Curtis Childress

James Curtis Childress – age 60 of Chesapeake, WV passed away Saturday, September 10,2022 at CAMC Hospital in Charleston, WV.  Curtis was born April 8, 1961 in Williamson, WV to G.C. and Edith Van Childress.  He was the third of three children.

Curtis attended Runyon Elementary School grades K thru 8. He graduated from Belfry High School in 1980 and attended Morehead State University where he majored in Sociology -Working with Troubled Teens Studies.  As a high school student, he excelled in sports.  His passion was for football where he garnered many awards and accolades for his athletic gifts. He was inducted into the Belfry High School Hall of Fame.  As a youth, Curtis was heavily involved in Boy Scouts.

He was employed by the Job Corps working with teens to help them find paths of success in life. Additionally, Curtis worked at Trinity Healthcare in Charleston, WV as activity director and aide.  In each of these professions, he was responsible for helping others and was recognized for his friendly, caring manner and his dedication to youth. Curtis was a kind-hearted soul who loved people and made himself available to anyone who needed help or simply to talk.  

While at Logan Street First Baptist Church, Curtis accepted Christ at an early age and worked in several capacities in the church and sang in the church’s junior choir as well as the “Inspirational Singers” community youth choir.  He was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of Chesapeake, WV where he was responsible for carrying out the special projects around the church for the pastor.

Curtis was the ultimate family man.  In 1981, he met the love of his life, Mary.  They had two boys, James Curtis II and Jonathan. Curtis loved his boys who were very special to him and spent as much time with them as he could.  Curtis loved (was crazy about) his grandkids.  He tried always to pour into their lives a desire to excel and be successful.  The grandkids could always be found either at his house or Curtis would be at their homes enjoying playful activities. They dearly loved their grandparents.

 
Curtis’ hobbies were going for short rides on his motorcycle, building things, fishing, and working on cars.  

Curtis was preceded in death by his father Rev. G.C. Childress.  Curtis leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Mary Horton Childress, two sons James Curtis (Shelly) Childress and Jonathan (BJ) Childress, his loving mother, Edith Van Childress, two brothers, John (Donna) Johnson and George (Denisa) Childress.  He also leaves 13 grandchildren, 2 aunts, Father-In -Law Bob, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who will miss him greatly.

Homegoing services will be held Saturday, September 24, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Logan Street First Baptist Church in Williamson, WV with Rev. Carl Johnson delivering the eulogy.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the time of service Saturday at the church.

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