James H Armstrong Sr.

Affectionately known as Henry, he attended Risley Colored Memorial High School, graduating in 1956. He went on to Albany State University in Albany, Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Science Education in 1960. While at Albany State, Henry pledged as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he later became chapter president. He also served as head drum major of the marching band, proudly leading his fellow musicians with enthusiasm and precision.

Henry’s work ethic was instilled early. As a young man, he learned to cut hair from his father and worked in his mother and father’s barbershop, using those skills to help pay for his college education.

After graduation, Henry began his teaching career at Blackshear High School in Blackshear, Georgia. His pursuit of knowledge then led him to the Manhattan Medical and Dental School in New York. Following his studies there, he accepted a position at the Walter Reed Army Medical and Dental Research Institute under a grant from Georgetown University. After a year, he joined the Institute full-time as a Histopathology Technician, later advancing to Histopathology Technologist through continued education and professional development.

At Walter Reed, James operated a research laboratory before being asked by one of the dental pathologists to establish a new research lab at the Letterman Army Institute of Research at the Presidio of San Francisco, California. Before relocating to California, James married the love of his life, Georgia Carroll Williams of Hampton,

Virginia, on November 29, 1965. Together they had two children: Nichelle (Niki) Deveta Armstrong and James (Little Jimmie) Henry Armstrong II.

The Armstrong family spent seven years in California before returning to Washington, D.C., where James resumed his work at Walter Reed, this time in the Rheumatology Clinical Immunology Research Institute. There, he supervised two laboratories during his 22 years as an Immunology Research Technologist. After a distinguished 31-year career with the federal government, James retired in 1994.

Not one to stay idle, he continued his work in education as the Director of the Child Development Center at John Nevins Andrews School in Takoma Park, Maryland, where he served for ten years.

James began every day by reading his Bible, grounding himself in faith and gratitude before stepping into the world. In 1980, he embraced the Seventh-day Adventist faith and was baptized with his family at the Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church. He went on to become the church’s first Black Head Deacon and later

served as Head Elder. Throughout the years, he faithfully participated on many church committees and eventually served as Chairman of Security.

Beyond his church service, James enjoyed spending time with friends bowling and golfing. He helped organize

a Sunday bowling league and later took up golf with Brother Lewis Smyre and the “Squires,” finding joy in the sport, the exercise, and the fellowship it brought.

A devoted Washington, D.C. sports fan, James especially loved cheering for his beloved Washington Redskins—

now the Commanders.

James leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Georgia Carroll Armstrong; daughter Nichelle (Niki) D. Armstrong-Bethke (Robert); son James H. (Little Jimmie) Armstrong II (Patricia); granddaughter Kayla M. Armstrong; grandson Michael Paulsen; sister-in-law Mildred Armstrong; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He will live on forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.