James Edward Wynn, 94, affectionally known as “Duke,” went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 18, 2023. He was born on January 28, 1929, to the late Otha Wynn Sr. and Douglas Banks of Mulberry Island, Virginia, now Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
Duke was educated in the Warwick County Public Schools (now Incorporated into Newport News). After graduation, he moved to New York and spent the next fifty years earning a living in Manhattan (New York City). After gaining experience in the garment industry, Duke opened his own business as a Dyer of buttons in the garment district of New York City. He also subcontracted to dye buttons for Sher Plastic Button Company, a major button maker from 1960 to 1990. Duke traveled extensively while overseeing the dyeing operation for Sher Plastic and occasionally traveled to Europe to educate customers on the use of Sher Plastic products. For fifteen years, he served as a scout leader for Troop 157 in Hollis, New York, influencing many young minds. He retired in June 1991 and returned to his hometown of Newport News, Virginia, with his wife, Theresa.
Duke was a faithful servant of the Lord. As a member of Colossian Baptist Church, he was an active member of the Board of Trustees and Joint Board; he served as Chair of the Food Bank Ministry; past Chair of the Men’s Day Committee; and was a member of the Male Chorus and the By-Law Committee.
Duke was the patriarch of the Wynn Family and a repository of information on everything about the Wynn family. He was blessed with a beautiful kind spirit and was a thoughtful, loving, and selfless person who received joy from helping and giving to others in his familial, personal, and church life.
He is preceded in death by his sons, Kevin Wynn who passed away in Durham Veterans Hospital, North Carolina, in July 1999, and Craig Wynn, who passed away in 2022; and grandchildren, Imani Wynn and Jamel Johnson. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Theresa Blizzard Wynn (with whom he shared a special and loving relationship); grandchildren, Shaunta Miller, Shaunna Wynn-Lawrence, Tuere Wynn, Krystal Wynn, and Craig Wynn-Ferguson; great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson; brother-in-law, Donald Blizzard; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, godchildren, and dear friends.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Colossian Baptist Church. Livestream will be available at the beginning of the service. Interment to follow in the church cemetery. Mr. Wynn may be viewed on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. in the church. Facial coverings are recommended for all services.
