James Edward McCants

Nov. 21, 1944- Aug. 2, 2022

James Edward McCants on November 21, 1944 was born to the union of Ulice and Arzell McCants in Greensboro, NC, both of whom preceded him in death.

James was baptized at St. Johns Baptist Church under Reverend J. G. West and was a member of the Young Rosettes Youth Choir.  He attended Alexandria City Public Schools, graduating from Parker-Gray High School in 1962.  After being drafted into the Army in 1964, James became a military policeman and was sent to Vietnam.  As he was an excellent marksman, James became the sharp shooter for his squadron as it was wartime.  He was injured in Vietnam during an ambush on the frontline and later sent home after resting and recuperating in Japan.  After 2 ½ years in the Army, James was awarded a Purple Heart and then received a second Purple Heart years later.  The Purple Heart is United States military decoration awarded, in the name of the President, to soldiers injured or killed in the line of duty while serving and protecting their country.  We thank James for his service and bravery.

After returning home to Alexandria, James worked for the American Red Cross Association for a short time and then for the Alexandria City Public School system for 8 years.  Due to his war injuries and injuries from a major car accident, James had to retire.

In 1979, James married the late Ms. Pauline Peterson and from this union was born a daughter, LaJeune McCants.  Pauline preceded him in death in 2018.  He was also preceded in death by his siblings John McCants, Moses McCants, Ethel Miller and Theodore McCants.

James resided in the Perry Point VA Medical Center for approximately 20 years where he received excellent medical care, fitting of a soldier of honor.  Immediately following his passing at Perry Point, James received the honorary tradition of the Final Salute.  During the Final Salute, James was draped with the United States flag as Taps was played throughout - the signal for the health care workers, and especially, their fellow soldiers, to come to the doors of their rooms.  Civilians stood with their hands on their hearts and Veterans gave the military salute, standing if they were able to do so.  The Final Salute concluded as James was carefully carried on a fire engine in a processional of honor on post.

He is survived by his daughter, LaJeune McCants; grandchildren – James, DeAndre, Kinmona, and Kenmar; brothers - Ulysses, Benjamin and Odell McCants; and sister, Margaret Gray. He is also survived by a multitude of nieces, nephews, and the committed staff at the Perry Point Medical Center.

A Silent Tear

Just close your eyes and you will see

All the memories that you have of me

Just sit and relax and you will find

I'm really still there inside your mind

Don't cry for me now I'm gone

For I am in the land of song

There is no pain, there is no fear

So dry away that silent tear

Don't think of me in the dark and cold

For here I am, no longer old

I'm in that place that's filled with love

Known to you all, as "up above"

Anonymous

The Broken Chain

We little knew that day,

God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death, we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.

You did not go alone.

For part of us went with you,

The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,

Your love is still our guide.

And although we cannot see you,

You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

And nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one,

The chain will link again.

Ron Tranmer

We loved James but God loved him best.  It is not good-bye but we will see you later.

The Family