James Vernon Brinkley, 88, of Suffolk, VA passed away December 26, 2011. He was born in Nansemond County the son of the late Martha Rountree Brinkley and William Clifton Brinkley. He was predeceased by his sisters, Virginia B. Hicks and Rachael B. Robertson and brothers, C. Wesley Brinkley, Charles E. Brinkley, and Clifton A. Brinkley. James was a U.S. Army veteran having served during WWII. He later went on to work as a sheet metal mechanic and retired from Suffolk Sheet Metal. He was a lifelong member of Cypress Chapel Christian Church, Men's Bible Class, Laymen's Fellowship, and was a Deacon Emeritus . He was also a member of the Cypress Ruritan Club for 56 years with perfect attendance and also served as a past president.

James is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Rebick Brinkley; daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah B. and Robert Gwaltney of Reedville, VA, Rebecca B. and Keith Hurley of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, R. Jason Gwaltney and wife, Abby, Heather A. Hurley, and Christopher A. Hurley; great grandchildren, Keira Gwaltney and Carter Gwaltney; sister, Dorothy M. Harvell of Suffolk, VA; numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 3 p.m. at Cypress Chapel Christian Church with Rev. Chris Surber officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation Wednesday night from 7-8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory and other times at the residence. Memorial donations may be made to Cypress Chapel Christian Church, Renovation Fund, 1891 Cypress Chapel Rd., Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.