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James Earl Phelps

February 13, 2023

James Earl Phelps, 71, of Lynchburg, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 13, 2023. He was born in Lynchburg Virginia on June 25, 1951, to Jesse Edward Phelps Sr. and Marion B. Phelps. He was preceded in death by one son, Stacey Jennings: three brothers, Jesse E. Phelps Jr., Theodore R. Phelps, and George Phelps, and one sister, Carolyn P. Gunter.

James is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Deborah T. Phelps, his daughter Shaletta Phelps, his son James “Ornet” Jennings; 9 grandchildren, Christopher Phelps Sr, Christina Phelps, Ca’Nasia Phelps, Jaheim Jennings, India Jennings, Jevonte Jennings, James Jennings Jr, Jamera Jennings, Semaj Cobbs; 2 great-grandchildren, Christopher Phelps Jr, Arianna Moss; his parents Jessie Edward Phelps Sr. and Marion B. Phelps, one sister, Madeline P. (Kenneth) Green of Madison Heights; one brother Donald S. (Adelle) Phelps, of Lynchburg; Long time brother, son, and friends Cordell Carter and Archie Christian IV; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply.

James was a long-time mechanic, a former employee of Firestone who became a self-made entrepreneur. He was an enormous Dallas Cowboys fan. He will be remembered as a confidant, best friend to many, and a protector for his family. He was someone who made you laugh, called you multiple times a day to check in on you, and someone always with a solution to your problems. No matter what happened, he would always know things would work out.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory (220 Breezewood Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502).

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Destiny Christian Fellowship (1615 Perrymont Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24502) with Dr. Tara Phelps Jones and Bishop Jay Logan officiating.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg is assisting the family.

Condolences & Tributes

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I thank God for bringing you and your family into my life. Deborah I pray your strength in God. That you continue to be strengthen by your faith God. Thank you for making me part of your family.

Posted by George Robinson on February 20, 2023

Were sending our condolences to each of you and may God give you the strength to carry on. It was a joy to partner with you in the mechanic field and work together. May you rest in the arms of the Lord

Posted by Raymond & Lisa Patterson on February 20, 2023

Condolences

Posted by Curtis Wayne Braxton on February 18, 2023

Sincere condolences are extended to Deborah and the family during this time of bereavement. Pee Wee is now pain free. Cherish the memories that you have and know he loved each of you in his own special way. Unable to be with you during this time but know you are in our thoughts and prayers. The Matthews Family - Glen Allen, Virginia.

Posted by Sandra Matthews on February 18, 2023

Prayers going out for the Phelps family in this time of bereavement. I knew Mr. James Phelps (Pee Wee) for many years and found him to be a nice, kind, and respectful person. Always with a smile on his face. I know he will be missed by many. Times like this are never easy, but if you trust and believe in the Lord Jesus and lean on Him, He will carry you through.

Posted by Min. Melissa Gills on February 18, 2023

First I must say My Prayers goes out to the Family... Uncle Pee Wee you will be truely missed I will miss the way how you would brighten up someone's day with your jokes or even just your smile I knew when uncle Peewee comes around he always had something funny to say.Well gotta go until we meet again on other side Rest on Unc, Maurice

Posted by Maurice Lawhorne on February 18, 2023

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