James Alexander Miles, Jr.

James “Sledgehammer” Alexander Miles, Jr., 58, of Shipman, VA entered eternal rest on February 1, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

James was born January 29, 1967, in Charlottesville, VA to James A. Miles, Sr. and his mother the late Rev. Betty A. Miles.

He attended Nelson County Public Schools from the start through graduation. James, also known as “Sledgehammer” was passionately employed as a long-time dedicated truck driver. He also knew his way around heavy equipment. He was a manager at Tomahawk Warehouse until he ventured off to Boxley until he was diagnosed with AML.

James could be found loving on his family in any spare time along with spreading his love for the road from 18 wheels to 2. He enjoyed playing gospel on his guitar when he wasn’t giving himself selflessly to help others. A dance floor hated (ha or loved) to see him coming!

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rev. Betty A. Miles; grandmother, Frances L. Miles; grandfather, Charles E. Miles, Sr.; his brother, Walter Miles whom he adored; niece, Kiera Miles who he loved as one of his girls; nephew, Jerel Harris who was like another son; unlce, Charles E. Miles, Jr.; cousin, John E. Bego, and many others who welcomed him with open wings.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Jennifer Miles of Shipman, VA and their seven children, Kristen Mosley (Markeese), Alexis Miles, Celissa Johnson (Corey), Ashley Goff, Rachel Sager, Joshua Goff, and Jerome Goff. He is also survived by his father, James A. Miles, Sr. (Maxine, step-mom); his aunt more like a mother figure, Gloria Miles; a devoted father-in-law, Steven A. Franklin (Sheila); a brother, Kevin Miles, Sr. (Kelly); cousin, but raised as his sister, Yvette Miles; three sisters-in-law, Heather Phelps, Amanda Phelps, and Aliana Franklin. He will be deeply missed by his 18 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

James never met a stranger and will be remembered for years to come. A childhood friendship that has lasted through the years with four loyal friends, Scott McGarry, Mike Wooten, Tommie Johnson, and Cleve Price also known as The Five Skull Brotherhood. While celebrating his 57th birthday in the hospital, James received a skull flag from his nurses which he proudly hung on his shed once he returned home in honor of his brotherhood.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston with Pastor Antonio Thompson officiating.

Interment will follow in the Miles Family Cemetery in Shipman.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).