Back to Obituaries
Close Window
Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

James W. Napper

07/28/1936 - 01/05/2023

Obituary For James W. Napper

James Wilson Napper, Jr. 86, of Preston Rd., Martinsville departed this life Thursday, January 5, 2023. He was born July 28, 1936, in Virginia, the son of James Wilson Napper, Sr., and Christana Hairston Napper who preceded him in death.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-eight years, Nannie Mae Shelton Napper.

James received his primary and secondary education in the Henry County School System. He furthered his education by attending Johnson C. Smith University. James was an educator and Principal who touched the lives of many of his students during his thirty plus years in the Henry County Public School System. James was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and was a former member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory include one sister, Larneal Napper Jones of Martinsville, VA; care giver/guardian, Sherine Wilson of Martinsville, VA; two sisters-in-law, Stephanie S. (Kermit) Hairston of Stone Mountain, GA, and Elizabeth Hairston of Martinsville, VA; one niece, Cassandra Jones (Lawrence) Strand of New Kent, VA; one nephew, Harold J. Napper, Jr. of Martinsville, VA; and a host of other relatives, and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home with Pastor E. Leroy Valentine, Eulogist. Burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 1310 Carver Rd., Martinsville, VA. A public viewing will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. In accordance with the CDC, a face covering, and social distancing is required. Other times, the family will be receiving friends at the home, 3405 Preston Rd., Martinsville.

To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home live on Facebook.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.


Live Stream Links

Live service

slideshow

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

My prayers go up for his family. He was a very kind man and great principal.

na

I have fond memories of Mr. Napper from my time at Samuel H Hairston middle school. He was the kindest school principal, always caring and friendly. May he Rest In Peace.

na

Gone, but not forgotten. James W. Napper, Albert Haris High School Class of 1954. With Sympathy, Love and Blessings. Albert Harris High School National Alumni Association, Inc.

na

Sharing in the transition of your beloved, James W. Napper. Sympathy, Blessings and Love. Cherish the beautiful memories and share them. Marguerite W. Wilson and Tim Witcher

na

Our prayers and Condolences to the families, remember Mr Napper as a teacher at Samuel H Hairston School, a man of wisdom and integrity. Irma K Preston family

na

In memory of my loving 1st cousin and classmate. You will truly be missed. Sending my condolences. Dorothy Noel Broady and Family

na

To the entire Napper, Jones, Hairston family. We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Wilson (as our mother use to call him). She spoke of our extended family often and wanted us to know who they were. We had the pleasure of meeting Wilson on a couple of occasions and remembered him as a mild and humble person. We will remember him in this way. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers for your comfort, peace, and continued blessings at this difficult time. It is our hope that we will all meet our loved ones again some sweet day in Glory Land. Love to you all from the children of Rosa Lee Hairston Ramona, Ronald, Ramon, and Roy Hairston

na

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of such a gentle and kind man as Mr. Napper. As others have stated, Mr. Napper was also our first principal when we entered the first grade at Samuel H. Hairston Elementary School. We will always remember how he would constantly adjust his tie while clearing his throat. Mr. Napper was a positive role models for all of us!

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sincerely, Marshall and Mary Thomas

na

Mr. Napper and I shared many firsts. When Samuel Hairston School first opened it was the first time I had attended a school with more than one room. It was Mr. Napper's first year teaching. He was my fifth-grade teacher and gave me my first exam. Wonderful Year! Years later, it was my first-year teaching and Mr. Napper was my first principal. Right. At Samuel H. Hairston School! He was always professional; always logical and rational and yet witty. He taught us well and we shall not soon forget him. Rest Now!! Shirley Gallant

na

The Pilgrim Travelers of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church send our deepest condolences to Sis. Larneal and the entire Napper family.

na

The Pilgrim Travelers of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church send our deepest condolences to Sis Larneal and the entire Napper.

na

Mr. Napper and I shared many firsts. When Samuel Hairston School first opened it was the first time I had attended a school with more than one room. It was Mr. Napper's first year teaching. He was my fifth-grade teacher and gave me my first exam. Wonderful Year! Years later, it was my first-year teaching and Mr. Napper was my first principal. Right. At Samuel H. Hairston School! He was always professional; always logical and rational and yet witty. He taught us well and we shall not soon forget him. Rest Now!!

na

Forgot to add my name. Orange candle about Samuel Hairston. Prayers for the family and Preston community.

Tiffanie G Hairston

na

Mr. Napper was the principal at Samuel Hairston School when it became elementary. His kind demeanor and calmness really helped the transition from Spencer Penn go smoothly. I never heard him raise his voice or talk mean yet he had control over the building. He was a community member and lived right down the road. I will cherish those good memories of him and hope he will be happy to see Nan again.

na

MR NAPPER WERE A GREAT PRINCIPAL AT SAMUEL H HAIRSTON . FROM THE CLASS OF 1975 FROM G W CARVER H S. LAWRENCE KOGER

na

Our sincere condolences to the entire Napper family. Mr. Napper was an extraordinary man, educator, and quiet professional who was a pillar of our community of Preston, Virginia and who touched the lives of hundreds of young men and women throughout Martinsville and Henry County. May he Rest in Peace. With Deepest Sympathy, General (Ret) and Mrs. Dennis L. Via, Brian and Meaghan Via, Bradley Via

na

Mr.Napper was a terrific principal. It was my pleasure to be his student in the mid 1970's. He was patient, professional and had a smile for everyone.

na

A kind, gentle man that loved his rides out just to see "what's happening;" and his love of his family. I was afforded the opportunity to take care of him for awhile and he gave so much laughter to his caregivers. So many fond memories. RIP now Mr. Napper you was a great person. Mary Hurd

na

A kind, gentle man that loved his rides out just to see "what's happening;" and his love of his family. I was afforded the opportunity to take care of him for awhile and he gave so much laughter to his caregivers. So many fond memories. RIP now Mr. Napper you was a great person.

na

So sorry to hear of the passing of such a gentle giant who walked the halls of Samuel H. Hairston school with class and a find dresser I may add. RIP Mr. Napper

Jerry-Derwin- Dee-Dee Diane and Greg

na

Praying for the family. Kind, gentle, caring. Mr. Napper was a wonderful man and great educator. So grateful to have been impacted by his greatness.

na

Love you family!

na

Pilgrim Baptist Church will always remember the Napper family on the West end of Martinsville. Rest in peace Mr.James.

na

Sending Condolences and love to the Napper Family..an Educator and an Exemplary Man among MEN. The G.W.Carver class of 1971..We are because you Were. Nelson Thomas and Family, and Classmates.

na

Larneal and the entire Napper family,you have our deepest sympathy. You have been a wonderful sister to Mr. Napper with all your family's help. God bless you all for a job well done. Mr. Napper will always be remembered as a very nice gentleman. Willie Mae and Peter Harris

na

I worked with Mr Napper at Mt. Olivet Elementary. He was a kind and gentle man.

na

We grew up together Sorry to hear your loss.

Carolyne Self Green

na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Hairston Funeral Home | Martinsville, VA

Michael S Barnes sent Giving Grace Bouquet for James W. Napper - January 06, 2023

My deepest condolences and sympathy to my Virginia Family. I have only fond memories of the times that we spent together. Love always, Michael Barnes & Family

Send flowers for James W. Napper

Best Sellers

Plant Trees
Plant Trees

$50.00

Beautiful Dreams
Beautiful Dreams

$84.95

Gracious Lavender Basket
Gracious Lavender Basket

$134.95

Serene Lily Basket
Serene Lily Basket

$104.95

Pink Tribute Spray
Pink Tribute Spray

$149.95

Sweet Moments
Sweet Moments

$74.95

Mixed Spray
Mixed Spray

$149.95

Red and White Handled Basket
Red and White Handled Basket

$84.95

Peace & Serenity Dishgarden
Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

$79.95

Traditional Floor Basket
Traditional Floor Basket

$79.95

Ocean Devotion
Ocean Devotion

$79.95

The Peace Lily
The Peace Lily

$94.95

Living Spirit Dishgarden
Living Spirit Dishgarden

$79.95

Red and White Floor Basket
Red and White Floor Basket

$89.95

Mixed flowers in a handled basket
Mixed flowers in a handled basket

$89.95

The Loving Light Dishgarden
The Loving Light Dishgarden

$79.95

Ocean Breeze Spray
Ocean Breeze Spray

$184.95

Precious Heart Bouquet
Precious Heart Bouquet

$84.95

Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket
Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket

$74.95

Sympathy Spray
Sympathy Spray

$159.95

Radiant Foliage Planter
Radiant Foliage Planter

$89.95

Heartfelt Memories
Heartfelt Memories

$94.95

Stately Croton
Stately Croton

$79.95

Medium Dish Garden
Medium Dish Garden

$99.95

Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment
Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment

$79.95

Love's Journey
Love's Journey

$84.95

Garden of Memories
Garden of Memories

$134.95

Sweet Tranquility Basket
Sweet Tranquility Basket

$89.95

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum

$84.95

Tender Tribute
Tender Tribute

$129.95

Deeply Adored
Deeply Adored

$79.95

Your Light Shines
Your Light Shines

$119.95

Joyful Memory
Joyful Memory

$119.95

Heavenly Grace Spray
Heavenly Grace Spray

$189.95

Bright and Beautiful Spray
Bright and Beautiful Spray

$184.95

America the Beautiful
America the Beautiful

$74.95

Small Garden Dish
Small Garden Dish

$74.95

Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet
Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet

$169.95

Rainbow Reflections Basket
Rainbow Reflections Basket

$104.95

Splendid Memories Bouquet
Splendid Memories Bouquet

$79.95

Golden Days Basket
Golden Days Basket

$79.95

Serene Retreat
Serene Retreat

$94.95

Heavenly Heights Bouquet
Heavenly Heights Bouquet

$79.95

Heavenly & Harmony
Heavenly & Harmony

$84.95

Large Mixed Plant Dish Garden
Large Mixed Plant Dish Garden

$114.95

Dreams From the Heart Bouquet
Dreams From the Heart Bouquet

$104.95

Vivid Recollections
Vivid Recollections

$94.95

Sunny Memories
Sunny Memories

$139.95

Emerald Garden Basket
Emerald Garden Basket

$84.95

Sacred Duty Spray
Sacred Duty Spray

$184.95

French Garden
French Garden

$79.95

Celestial Love
Celestial Love

$84.95

Peace Lily
Peace Lily

$84.95

Blossoms in Vogue
Blossoms in Vogue

$84.95

Large Basket Garden
Large Basket Garden

$104.95

Lily and Rose Tribute Spray
Lily and Rose Tribute Spray

$264.95

The New Sunrise Bouquet
The New Sunrise Bouquet

$79.95

Blessings Bouquet
Blessings Bouquet

$84.95

Rays of Light Spray
Rays of Light Spray

$189.95

Eternal Peace Basket
Eternal Peace Basket

$79.95

Rose Remembrance
Rose Remembrance

$194.95

Fall Fantasia
Fall Fantasia

$84.95

Sacred Garden Spray
Sacred Garden Spray

$239.95

Plant Trees