James Fennell, Jr.

James Matthew Fennell Jr. was called home on November 17, 2019.    He was born July 3, 1963 to the late James Matthew Fennell Sr. and Bertha Lee Osborne Fennell.   

James was a 1981 graduate of Booker T. Washington High and briefly attended Norfolk State University.

James was a former member of Oakwood Chapel, in recent years he joined St Mark RZUA and attended church as often as he could. 

James, ((aka Roxie) was a hard worker.  He always had two or three jobs.  He worked at 7-Eleven and Hardee’s for years, He has worked at every nursing home in Norfolk and was a fixture at the VA ABC stores.  His last employment was with Aramark, where he managed the ODU/ Dorm store on 48th Street.   James made lasting friendships everywhere he worked and; in every hospital or rehab facility that he stayed in during his illness.James (Junie) as spoiled and would pout in a minute. But he was also very sweet and thoughtful too.

More than anything Junie loved his family.  He would often tell his mom that she was his “best friend”. He and his sister (Sabrina) had a special bond, their love and support for each other was unconditional. The twins, Marcus and Markia were the great loves of his life. Junie was their very first babysitter; took them to all the fun stuff; the circus, parades, etc. James (Uncle Juju) was also an uncle (parent) volunteer. He took off from work for every school trip or special event at Taylor Elementary.  He was there so much, the teachers started calling him Uncle Juju too! 

James leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Mrs. Bertha Fennell, sister, Sabrina Young, niece, Markia Young (Stephon) nephew, Marcus Young, and great nephew, Kingston Young. He is also survived by (9) loving aunts, (4) uncles, (20) cousins   and (6) special “ride or die” friends

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