Deacon James Orris Bryant, Sr.

James Orris Bryant, Sr., 86, of Forest, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Born on June 2, 1938, in Goode, Virginia, James was the beloved son of the late Joseph Bryant, Sr., and Lillie Staples Bryant.

James was a fierce protector and provider for the love of his life for 63 years, Hilda Davis Bryant. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community. James was the proud father of James Orris Bryant, Jr. (Connie), Jennifer Bryant Wade (Lawrence), and Catherine Bryant Hayes (Ralph). He cherished his six grandchildren, Jamerson Bryant (Crystal), Jeremy Hayes, Corie Younger, Donte Harris (Tiffani), Chelsea Maddy (Luther), and Kyla Hayes; and five great-grandchildren, Lawson and Raelan Bryant, Brooklyn and Xavier Younger, and Charlotte Maddy. He is also survived by his siblings, Purcell Bryant (Mary), Carolyn Dudley, and Linda Lewis as well as by his siblings-in-law, Thurman Macon Davis (Teresa), Gertrude Anderson, and Florence Marionette Davis. James also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Josephine Bryant, Jean Bryant, Curtis Bryant, Joseph Bryant, Jr., and Bloise Bryant. 

A man of exceptional dedication, James served Bedford County for 61 years as a school bus driver, earning recognition as the longest-serving and oldest school bus driver in Virginia and the second oldest in the United States. His commitment to service extended to roles at Jefferson Forest High School, where he cooked for 10 years, and at the Lynchburg Foundry, where he worked for nearly 17 years. Known as a skilled and licensed plumber and water well driller, James was always ready to lend a helping hand to his community.

Faith was the cornerstone of James’s life. He was baptized at First Baptist Church Goode in 1965, ordained as a deacon in 1968, led as the Chairman of the deacon board, served as President of the Goode Community Gospel Chorus, and, alongside his wife, organized the Goode Youth Choir. James later joined Altha Grove Baptist Church in 1988 where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board, a Trustee, treasurer of the men’s choir, and Church Sexton. He also served the Peaks of Otter Baptist Association as a member of the Trustee Board.

James and Hilda’s love story began in 1959 when they met during his bus route. Their union was blessed with three children and a life rich in shared memories, from farming with his son to cooking and enjoying the outdoors. James loved the game of baseball, who, along with his brother, was offered a contract to play at the professional level when he was a young adult. James was also a devoted student of the Bible, and he found joy in worship and serving the Lord.

A public viewing will be held at Tharp Funeral Home in Lynchburg, Virginia, on Saturday, November 9, 2024. A celebration of his life will take place at Altha Grove Baptist Church in Forest, Virginia, on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

James Orris Bryant, Sr. leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. His life was a testament to the power of devotion and community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Acknowledgment:

The family would like to give a heartfelt and sincere thanks to Dr. Emaculate Tebit and the Centra Oncology and Hematology staff as well as the Gentle Shepherd Hospice nurses who helped and supported James through his battle with cancer.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.