On Friday, February 11th, 2022, God in his infinite wisdom saw fit to take his humble servant, James Edward Hairston, Jr. He was born on April 4th, 1957, in Martinsville, Virginia to his late parents, James Edward Hairston, Sr. and Abbie Carter Hairston. James was blessed to be born into a loving family where he was one of four children.

James met the love of is life, Deborah Denise Swanson, while attending Martinsville High School. They were married on August 28th, 1988. Deborah was a faithful and loyal wife. She was James’ administrator, best friend, caregiver, driver, and nurse. She stood right by his side until the very end. God truly gave James the perfect helpmate.

James was a graduate of Martinsville High School, class of 1975. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served honorably for 6 years. Prior to his illness, he was employed by Georgia Pacific, in Ridgeway, Virginia for 13 years. He was a long time Masonic member that formally served with Sons of Solomon and lastly served with GP Watkins Lodge 320 in Martinsville, Virginia. James was also a faithful member of Evangelical Holiness Church under the leadership of Elder Marvin Slade.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother James Edward Carter. James leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Deborah of the home in Martinsville, Virginia. Three sons: Jamus Martin of Martinsville, Virginia, Keith (Stephanie) Hairston of Goodyear, Arizona, James Hairston III of Columbia, South Carolina; two daughters: Sheree (Ty-Kwuan) Walker of Danville, Virginia, La’Tosia (Devyn) Gill of Martinsville, Virginia. Six grandchildren: Trinity Martin of Beckley, West Virginia, Nakhi Martin of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Mya Martin of Huntington, West Virginia, Kyrah Hairston, Keith Hairston Jr. (both of Goodyear, Arizona), Ty’Rique Walker of Danville, Virginia; one brother, Larry Carter of Pottstown, Pittsylvania; one sister, Joan (Larry) Hodge of Martinsville, Virginia; three nephews: Antonio Jennings of Collinsville, Virginia, William Joyce of Roanoke, Virginia, Jeremy Hodge of Northern, Virginia; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service for James will be held Sunday, February 20th, 2022 at Refuge Temple Ministries, Martinsville, Virginia at 2 p.m. with Elder Marvin Slade, presiding. Burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, Martinsville, Virginia. A public viewing will be held Saturday, February 19th, 2022 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. In accordance with CDC guidelines a face covering and social distancing will be required.