James Lowell Ernest

MM1 (ret) James Lowell Ernest, 69, passed away on October 22, 2021 following a long illness with Lung Cancer. He was born on May 14, 1952 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Norman L. Ernest and Phyllis J. Ernest (née Ingalsbe). James was a loving, faithful, strong, man of God. He attended St. Michael Lutheran Church with his beloved wife, Clair, who proceeded him in death. He served in the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate from 1972-1993 then began a career working with SAIC/AMSEC as a government contractor. Despite his long hours, he served in various volunteer capacities as a Sunday School superintendent (usually with his wife), Sunday School teacher, on the church finance team, deacon (at Carrow Baptist church), Girl Scout leader, usher, greeter, and choir member. In fact, he met his wife “officially” through choir at Broom Community Technical College (later Broom Community College).

James earned an Associate degree in Accounting from BCC in 1972 and had a deep love of all things weather related. His family would routinely go to him for weather updates as he was considered more accurate than the local news. Upon meeting his wife, she instilled a love of history and genealogy in him which he continued to enjoy up to his death. Of his life, he had few regrets. He always desired that his cancer fight be used to show God’s love and faithfulness to others. It was his faith and wife’s support that allowed him to beat the odds with his cancer which was diagnosed on their 42nd wedding anniversary. It was his desire to join her and be with her and Christ for all eternity.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Clarissa E. Ernest of Virginia Beach and Carin L. White (née Ernest) of Norfolk; son-in-law, Jonathan D. White of Norfolk; one granddaughter, Jamie L. White; a dog-son, Murdoch Ernest; a grand-dog, Willie N. White; two grand-cats, Athena S. Ernest, and B. Bubbles Ernest; brothers, John (Denise) and Dennis (Rose); sister, Judith; a niece (Rebecca) and nephew (Jeremy) along with nieces/nephews on his wife’s side. James was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Clair; and his parents.

A funeral service is pending at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 2208 Princess Anne Rd.

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23456 . The family will receive friends/family one hour prior to the service for viewing and a light reception. Burial will follow the service in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.