James Walter Christian

Sunrise: November 26th, 1946 

Sunset: May 28th, 2025

James Walter Christian, known to most as Bubby, passed away peacefully at home on May 28th, 2025, surrounded by family. Bubby was born in Radford, VA on November 26th, 1946 to the late Richard Walter Christian and Pauline Harriston Christian. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanie Ford Christian; two sisters, Peggie Rose and Faith Christian; two sisters-in-law, Roxie Palmer and Deborah Pearson; and one brother-in-law, Olen Eugene Pearson.

Bubby grew up in Blacksburg, VA and graduated from Christiansburg Industrial Institute in 1964. After graduation, he enlisted in the Air Force where he served as an Air Traffic Controller in Bermuda. After he completed his tour, he later returned to the New River Valley area and started working at the Radford Arsenal. During that time, he courted and later married Jeanie Ford on November 12th, 1977.

From that union, Jamey was born. Bubby also became another father to Steven, Vanessa, and Karon Jackson.

Bubby worked at the Radford Arsenal with the Guard Force for several years. While there, he earned his Bachelor's in Business from Radford University in 1996, becoming a first-generation college student in his family. Beyond his dedication to education, Bubby was also a keen sportsman. He was an avid golfer who won many tournaments, and he loved football, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Virginia Tech Hokies being his favorite teams. He also enjoyed giving a few lessons on the pool table. Bubby was a proud member of the Corvette Club with several good friends; you'd always know when he arrived by the sound of his Corvette.

In addition to his hobbies, Bubby was a man of faith. He was a member of Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church where he served as an Usher and part of the Men’s Choir. Bubby will be remembered for his wit, tenacity, financial advice, stylish appearance, and the ability to find a solution to any problem. A friend once told him he was cooler than the underside of a pillow.

Bubby is survived by his children, Jamey (Brandon) Christian-Kirby, Steven (Cindy) Jackson, Vanessa Jackson and Karon Jackson; two grandchildren Anthony Jackson and Joshua Jackson; one sister, Sylvia Louise Webb; three brothers-in-law, Allen Palmer, Ronnie Ford, and David Ford; nieces and nephews, Carrington Rose, Carolyn Rose Taylor, Lisa Webb, Phillip Webb, Derrick Webb, Lenny Webb, Cassandra (Gerald) Taylor, Darnell Webb, Anthony Christian, Dwan Ford, Angela (Rudy) Banks, Aaron (Lidia) Palmer, Alexis Pearson, and a host of other nieces and nephews. Special thanks to the caregiving staff, hospice, and all the family members who have helped support Bubby throughout his illness. 

Memorial service will be Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until the time of service at Schaeffer MBC with the Reverend Lee Suggs Sr.