Chesapeake – James Edward Sykes, "Jimmy Mac," passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2011. Born in Norfolk, he was a graduate of Great Bridge High School Class of 73, a United States Army Veteran, an employee with the City of Chesapeake Parks and Recreation, and a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Anderson James Sykes. Survivors include his mother, Pauline Sykes Smith; five brothers, Johnnie , Kenny (special friend Deborah), Robert (Ernestine), and Leon (Rolanda) all of Chesapeake, and Ronnie (Catherine) of Virginia Beach; four sisters, Lydia Farrow (James) of Fayetteville, NC, Linda Bond (Reginald), Janet Wright (Kelvin), and LaDeana Sykes-Cook (Joseph) of Chesapeake; three children, James "Jimmy", Habiballah "Binka", and Cynthia "Cyndee" Sykes; five grandchildren, James III, Tamia and Makyla Sykes, Danielle Etheridge and Skyla Simmons; one uncle, Rev. Samuel Sykes (Naomi); one aunt, Emma Nixon; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; a beloved special friend, Devone Simmons and her sons, Danny and Cody and cherished co-workers, Rose, Det. Lawton and Delphine.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday at Bethel Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the Sykes Family Cemetery. Viewing will be held Friday from 3pm – 7pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, where the family will receive friends from 6-7pm. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com.