Deacon James B. Oliver

James “Jim” Bruce Oliver, 76, of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

Born and raised February 12, 1945 in Pittsylvania County, VA to the late James Oliver and Claude Millner, his fathers, and his mother, the late Sarah Oliver Millner. He was married to Bettie Johnson Oliver, the love of his life, on June 20, 1970. They celebrated over 51 years of marriage at the time of his passing.

James was a graduate of Southside High School, Blairs, VA; Southern Illinois University, Chicago, IL (B.S. of Occupational Education); and Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA (M.S. Human Resources). He served his country for over 20 years in the United States Navy further serving in the Civil Service for 20 years culminating as the Director of Training at Dam Neck Fleet Training Center.

James enjoyed many things, having fun, and absolutely loved his family. He enjoyed and was exceptionally proud of his time with the elite Navy Flight Demonstration team, the Blue Angels, later joining the Blue Angels Alumni Association.  He loved travelling with his wife going to Kenya, Italy, Aruba, Hawaii and many other places. Probably third to God and his wife, he loved being “Dad” or “Grandpops” to his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his three sisters Reece Oliver Price, Patsy Oliver Foster, and Claudia Millner Callahan; one brother-in-law, Thomas Wiggins; one step-sister, Thenia Millner Waller; and one step-brother, James Millner.

Survivors include his wife, Bettie J. Oliver; three sons, Bruce P. Oliver (Felicia) of Cascade, VA, Miguel L. Oliver (Cortney) of Scottsville, VA and Rashel C. Oliver (Rowena) of Fort Lee, VA; nine grand-children, Rashel II (Geonna), Tyler, Aaliyah, Alanna, Autumn, Xzavia, Kenya, Alliyah, and Winter; one God grand-child, Donald “DJ” Mark; four sisters, Geneva Oliver Williams of Maryland, Jannet Millner Wiggins and Joyce Millner of Virginia; one brother, Harry Millner (Penelope) of Virginia; two brothers-in-law, Rev. Theodore Foster and Thomas Callahan; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate

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