Chesapeake – James Lewis Halsey, 70, of the 2000 block of Centerville Turnpike was called home to be with the Lord March 20, 2009. Born in Waverly, Virginia, he was a graduate of Crestwood High School Class of 1956. He retired from Sears and Roebuck after 39 ½ years of loyal service. He was employed with the Virginian Pilot for 10 years retiring in 2004. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, a member of the Combined Choir and a Sunday School Teacher of the Adult Class. Also, he was a member of Willow Grove Masonic Lodge #198 for many years. As a gifted gospel singer, he enjoyed singing and was a long time member of the Virginia Soul Stirrers gospel group.

He is predeceased by his father, Lloyd S. Halsey and his sister, Ethel Thompson. Survivors include his loving wife, Delzola J. Halsey of Chesapeake; mother, Essie M. Halsey of Norfolk; one daughter, Valerie H. Shoulders of North Carolina; two sons, Reginald Lewis Halsey (Felicia) and Kenneth W. Halsey of Chesapeake; two brothers, Lloyd S. Halsey Jr. (Ann) of New York and Donald R. Halsey (Janet) of Norfolk; twelve grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at Mt. Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will be held Thursday from 2pm – 7pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake.