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Remembering former Virginia Union president Allix James

Posted at 2:35 PM, Sep 28, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-28 16:23:51-04

RICHMOND, Va. — Former Virginia Union University president Dr. Allix B. James has passed away at the age of 93, according to a statement from the university.

The Virginia Union University family has lost an outstanding alum and great educational leader in the passing of Dr. Allix B. James, the seventh President of Virginia Union University. Dr. James devoted his life and his work as a student and leader at Virginia Union University.

He has been associated with the university for over 70 years as a student, as a professor, and as its president in 1970. The university has on many occasions, recognized the contributions of Dr. James. He was bestowed our highest honor in 2011 with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters and in 2015 he was recognized at our 36th Annual Community Leaders Breakfast, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, with the MLK Lifetime of Service Award from Virginia Union University.

Dr. James established two endowed scholarships at the University, one in honor of his father Samuel H. James, and another to honor his wife, Sue N. James.He was devoted spiritually and financially to the welfare of Virginia Union University. Our prayers go out to his family.

Senator Tim Kaine issued a statement Monday on the passing of Dr. James.

“As a neighbor of Virginia Union and later as a member of the Richmond City Council, I came to know Allix James many years ago.   In his leadership at Union, and in his deep engagement with philanthropic and civic causes in Richmond, ‎we all came to respect and rely upon his calm public spirit and his ever present good will.    Our community is better because of him.”

Mayor Dwight Jones also issued a statement on the passing of Dr. James.

“Richmond has lost a great leader in Dr. Allix B. James. Dr. James took a personal interest in students and often invited them to his home where he and Sue, his wife, imparted invaluable and practical guidance. His counsel is one of the main reasons I remained in Richmond. He always felt that my destiny had called me to be in this place. He was an inspired leader who made a difference in so many lives.”

Dr. James’ funeral will be held in the Allix B. James Chapel at Coburn Hall on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 11 a.m.

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