James Luther Sanders

James Luther Sanders, age 89, passed away May 21, 2026. .Proud, Charismatic, and man of few words are words that describes James Luther Sanders (Pookie/Sandy). He was the eldest son of the late James Luther Sanders, Jr. and Veola H. Ross-Sanders. James was a devoted and benevolent husband, brother, son, father, grandfather, great grandfather, surrogate father to many, minister of the word, soldier, Vietnam Veteran and friend. On May 21,2026, James’s physical person uncoupled from this world and transitioned to his eternal life in heaven and in our hearts. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his kind and giving spirit. He loved helping people. Born in Coffeyville, KS on January 16, 1937. James attended public schools in Coffeyville. After high school, he began his military career in 1954-1958 in the US Air Force, then re-enlisted in the Army in 1958-1976. On September 23, 1959, he married the love of his life, Shirley D. Sanders, and they shared this union for 66 years. His 22-year military career was as a biomedical technician for the US Army where he earned several medals of honor. After retiring from the military in 1976, he continued his education for several years and received several degrees. He retired from DC Government after 20 years of service and continued to work part-time as a security guard until he was 75 years old. James accepted the Lord as a child and rededicated his life to the Lord in 1972. He attended Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Alexandria, VA and served 13 years in various positions; the deacon board, the trustee board the pastor’s aide board and as a member of the male chorus. Several years later he answered the call to ministry and received his theological degree and was ordained as a minister in 1992. He served as lead elder at Grace Bible Church in Lorton, VA and Woodbridge Christian Church, in Woodbridge, VA until he departed from this life. James loved his family, music and bowling. In his early years, he loved boxing, grilling and writing poems. He was an avid writer. He spent a lot of time studying the bible as he prepared for his sermons. One of his last wishes was that he wanted his family to get closer to God and to live a righteous life. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 66 years; Shirley D. Sanders, daughters; Shizell L. Keith (Edward), JaNeice Sanders-Gilbert (William), Daneene M. Tyson (Raydolph), son; Hercules Johnson (Frankie), grandchildren; Marie Jones (Don), Carol Higgins (Sean) Brandee Bryant, Angel Simmons (Shawn), Jasmine Duvall (Aaron), Aneisha Smith (Derrick), Taylor Sanders, Jocelyn Duvall (Joshua), Ahmon Bryant, Christina Johnson, Earlene Johnson, Herdale Johnson, Jr., Nicholas Johnson, great grandchildren; Mia and Nicole Sanders-Quarles, Briley Smith, Glenda, Gabrielle, and Grace Simmons, Zoee Bryant, Donald Jones, Jr. Ahmoni Bryant, Carter Duvall, Derrick Smith, Jr., Ahmon Bryant, Jr., Carson Duvall, Nature, Nehru and Nazzir Thomas, Chase, Cross and Madeline Higgins, sisters; Callie Colbert and Timatree Toliver (Richard), sister-in-law; Verna Sanders, cousin; Lavon Thomas, brother-inlaw; Perry Johnson, nieces; Ralisa Muse, Karla Reagans, Eurika Bennett, and Marlene Fuller, Toni Sterling, and Leah Pearson, nephews; Herman, James, Jeffrey, and Joseph and Colbert, and Manuel O’Neal, a host of great nieces and nephews, special family friends; Pastor James Jackson and family, Janet & John Happolt, James Murphy, Pat Smith, Kenneth & Diane Ellison, Barbara Cooper, Vera Giles, Katrina & Reggie McKinney, Yvette Shearin, Denise Robinson, Joan Cheeks, and the Copeland Family. In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brothers; Marlan and Lester (Ludea) Sanders, sisters; Joan Gordon (Ronald) and Stella Boyd (Earl), niece; Tara O’Neal, grandson; James Copeland, great granddaughter; Jewelz Duvall, mother-in-law; Hercules Mildred Addair-Ford, brother-inlaw; Vincent Johnson, and sister-in-law; Earlene Faultry. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192, where a service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, VA 22172. Friends may view the service livestream being provided by the family at: https://tinyurl.com/JamesSandersHomeGoing

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James Luther Sanders

January 16, 1937 - May 21, 2026