James Edward

Carver, Jr.

James Edward Carver, Jr. gained his heavenly wings on December 16, 2025. Born on February 3, 1948, to the late James Edward Carver, Sr. and Wilhelmina Bishop Carver in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was the oldest of three children.

James (also known as "Jimmy C") leaves behind a legacy of musical excellence and profound mentorship. In his early days at S.H. Clark Middle School in Portsmouth, Virginia, he learned to play the saxophone during a six-week summer program. He went on to later play in the school's concert band, orchestra and a saxophone quartet. James quickly advanced as a musician and was selected by his middle school band director to be a member of a jazz band comprised of five S.H. Clark students (including James) and ten students from I.C. Norcom High School.

James went on to attend I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he was a member of the school's marching and concert bands. He continued playing in the jazz band at I.C. Norcom where he and several members of the band formed the R&B group "The Positive Sounds". The popularity and smooth sounds of the group quickly spread throughout the region. During their senior year in high school, an aunt of one of the band members, legendary R&B and jazz artist Ruth Alston Brown Weston, assisted them with receiving an invitation to compete against other bands in the Apollo Theater's Talent Hunt Competition in Harlem, New York. The Positive Sounds was the winner of the competition and would go on to become the house band for the legendary Apollo Theater.

James graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1965 and enrolled at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. While in college, he continued as a member of The Positive Sounds and the group went on to serve as the Apollo Theater's house band part-time during their college breaks and full-time during the summer months prior to the start of each school year. The Positive Sounds performed with legendary artists, including but not limited to, Al Green, The Stylistics, The Isley Brothers, The James Brown Review, The Delfonics, Cameo, Kool & the Gang. They also performed at New York City's iconic Studio 54. In addition, they produced two songs "You're The One I Need" (1971), and "I Almost Blew My Mind" (1971) which were used in the TV show Modern Love.

While at Norfolk State University, James' talent and leadership blossomed as he was selected as the Captain of the ROTC Marching and Concert Bands during his junior year. As Captain, he was responsible for directing the bands and experienced his proudest moment when the band was selected to participate in a competitive musical festival at Carnegie Hall in New York. The band performed in "Concert Band" format the first evening and transitioned to military "Pass in Review" style the following day, at Fort Hamilton in New York, where the band marched in precise formations before a senior commander or dignitary to showcase their discipline, drill skills, readiness, and unit spirit.

In 1969, James became a member of Norfolk State University's Pi Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and graduated from the university with a degree in Music Education in 1971.

James served as Director of Bands at several Virginia high schools, including Smithfield (a band program which he built from scratch after first serving as the school's choir director), Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Jefferson, Huguenot and the Appomattox Regional Governor's School for Arts and Technology (ARGS). Under his direction, the band programs garnered numerous awards and accolades, performing at prestigious events like the World's Fair, the Indianapolis 500, and the Miss America Pageant. When James joined ARGS in 1999, he served as the Music Department Chair until 2019 and was instrumental in the department's development. He created the jazz band, "Pieces of the Puzzle," which achieved national recognition, earning superior ratings and top honors at numerous jazz festivals.

James received a Master's Degree in Education from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was also a member of the Phi Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in Richmond, VA where he served as Chapter Basileus from 2011 to 2013 and on a number of chapter committees, including the National Talent Hunt, Ways & Means, Youth Academy, and Housing Committee (President). He received prestigious awards including Phi Phi Chapter Omega Man of the Year (2010), District Omega Man of the Year (2011), District Basileus of the Year (2013) and 50 Years of Service District Award (2019), among many other chapter and district honors.

In 1998, James partnered with Rodney Chambers to form Asymmetrix Entertainment (now referred to as High Stepping Nationals) in Richmond, Virginia. Their first competition was held in Charlotte, North Carolina, where bands from all over the country participated in High Stepping Marching Band style. The winner of the band competition is awarded the James E. Carver, Jr. Grand Champion Trophy.

James is predeceased by his beloved parents James Edward Carver, Sr and Wilhelmina Bishop Carver.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 18 years, Dr. Deardrian Benford Carver; his children from his first marriage, daughter Michelle Carver Lewis (Theodore); son, James E. Carver III; grandchildren, Alexandria M. Lewis and Theodore J. Lewis; sisters, Joanne Carver Hardie (Moses); and Wilhelmina Carver Brantley (Kyle).

Through subsequent marriages, he was an adored and cherished step-father to: James Gaskins (Brittina) and their children Gevasico and Miles; Aisha Muhammad and her daughter Nailah; DeLon Hunt (April) and their children Cara and Jaden; Khalim Hunt (Rebekah) and their children Taira, Khalia and Mia; and Lené Hunt-McMillan (Joseph) and their daughter Kaiya.

His legacy extends to his great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were touched by his enduring warmth and spirit.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd., where viewing will be held Friday, January 2 from 10 a.m. unitl 5 p.m followed by an Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Omega service at 6 p.m.in Scott's Chapel. Funeral serivces will be held 10:30 a.m. Satruday, January 3 at St. Paul"s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road, 23223. Interment Dale Memorial Park. Live stream at https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=1383d9a0-6330-4171-a0a5-e35546337a1e