James Earl Phelps

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.