Gene Albert James

Gene Albert James, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2026, surrounded by the love and legacy of the family he cherished. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Born January 16, 1932, in Grayson County, Virginia, Gene served in the United States Air Force before graduating from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) in 1953. He dedicated 43 years to Southern States Cooperative, serving as President and Chief Executive Officer for 17 years before retiring in 1997. Under his leadership, Southern States became one of the nation’s premier farmer-owned cooperatives.

Gene was deeply committed to agriculture, education, and community service, serving on numerous boards including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, CF Industries, Crestar Financial Corporation, the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership, and the United Methodist Homes Board. He also served as President of the Virginia Tech Foundation and Alumni Association Board of Directors. During his tenure, he and his wife Ina Mae, proudly established the Gene A. and Ina Mae James Graduate Fund Scholarship.

A lifelong golfer, Gene treasured the friendships and memories made through the game. He also enjoyed extensive travel throughout the United States and abroad.

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved son, David Albert James, and brothers Calvin Rex James and Harold Stephen James. He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Ina Mae James; daughters Patti Stadlin (David) and Mary Ann Clarke (Matt); son John James (Lisa); and grandchildren Sarah Stadlin, Kelly Stadlin, Ben Clarke, Kyle Clarke, and Grace James.

Gene’s enduring legacy will live on through the family he loved so deeply, the agricultural communities he served, the students he supported, and the countless lives he influenced through his leadership, kindness, and integrity. With his warm sense of humor and commanding yet gentle presence, Gene touched the lives of all that knew him.

A Funeral Service will be held at Henry W. Woody Inc, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229, US, on August 1, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.