The Rev. James Roger “Jimmy” Maddox, 73, of Messongo, walked humbly into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jimmy’s life was marked by faith, service, and an unwavering dedication to all.
Born Sept. 2, 1951, in Nassawadox, he was the son of the late James Calvin Maddox and Alma Blanche Groton Maddox. Raised in a Christian home, Jimmy and his three brothers grew up on his family’s farm, learning the values of hard work and devotion to God. His family were longtime members of Hallwood United Methodist Church, where Jimmy’s deep faith took root.
Ministry was Jimmy’s calling, and in 1979, he answered that call, becoming an ordained minister after earning his master of divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. He began his pastoral service at home on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, later accepting a transfer to Garrisonville.
Over the next two decades, Jimmy served in seven districts across the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, retiring home to Messongo in 2011. Soon after, the Lord called on His faithful servant once more, leading him to pastor the very church that paved his way, Hallwood United Methodist. Though Jimmy found his career in ministry, it was so much more than a job for him. Known for his willingness to help others, his genuine compassion for all extended beyond his family and church to anyone in need.
Though ministry was at the forefront, farming remained another passion for Jimmy throughout his life. He spent countless hours tending to his yard, often working in his flower and vegetable gardens and always cutting grass until dark. As much as he enjoyed working in his yard, he especially cherished his longtime role as farmhand to his stepfather-in-law, Bev Fletcher, with whom he worked side-by-side for many years.
Jimmy’s legacy of faith and kindness will live on through his beloved wife of 51 years, Sandy Maddox; children, Stacy Reade Maddox and his wife, Stacy Lynn, of Prince George, and Holly Guy and her husband, Bill, of Melfa; brothers, George Calvin Maddox and his wife, Billye Jean “BJ,” of Messongo, and John Reed “Johnny” Maddox and his wife, Faith, of Hallwood; sister-in-law, Gaye Lipsett; grandchildren, Brandon and Brooklynn Maddox; several nieces and nephews; and the many people he pastored.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, William Howard “Bill” Maddox and his wife, Amy.
Funeral services were conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m., with his son and his nephew, Pastors Stacy Maddox and John Maddox, officiating. Interment followed in the Groton’s Cemetery in Hallwood. There was a visitation at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
Contributions in Jimmy’s memory may be made to Hallwood United Methodist Church, c/o Joyce Northam, P.O. Box 72, Hallwood, VA 23359 or you may honor his life’s mission of love and service through acts of kindness to others.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
