James Joseph Vergara, Sr.

James J. Vergara, Sr., 94, departed this life on March 24, 2019. Born in Richmond, VA, on November 11, 1924 he moved to Hopewell in 1927 where he resided until his death. He was the son of the late Frank and Felicia Vergara who immigrated to this country from Italy and Sicily respectively. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Russell and Francis and two sisters, Marian Letchworth and Elsie Stidham. He is survived by his five children and their spouses, James, Jr., (Gayle), Felicia Omick (Chuck), Joseph (Cindy), George (Dianne) and Kevin; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Vergara proudly served in the Army Air Corps (Air Force) during World War 11, including the Pacific Theater. He and his two brothers, continued as owners of Vergara’s Royal Cleaners which was originally founded by his parents in 1927. He graduated from Richmond Polytechnic Institute-now VCU. He was a lifetime member of St. James Catholic Church in Hopewell and a founding member of the local council of the Knights of Columbus. He served as a magistrate for the Hopewell Circuit Court and a Hopewell agent for the Virginia DMV. James was also a member of the Lion’s club, a Master Plumber and Master Electrician. He also owned and operated numerous businesses, including James J. Vergara Real Estate, Capital Auto Parts, General Utilities, Whelan’s Exxon and James J. Vergara appraisal where he worked as an appraiser until age 92. He particularly enjoyed his annual 30 day visit in the month of May to Italy, where he held a dual citizenship. A prayer vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at St. James Catholic Church, 510 W. Poythress Street, Hopewell, VA, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2019 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 823 Cathedral Place, Monroe Park, Richmond, VA. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .