James Hallett Webster

James Hallett Webster, 88, of Manassas, Virginia passed away at 2:00 am, Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Manassas Health and Rehabilitation Center in Manassas, Virginia.

"JW" was born on the farm in Clay County, IL. The 10th and last child of Richard Franklin and Lora Lavena (Turner)Webster. He and his family have been residents of Manassas, VA since 1976.

He was preceded in death by his son Mark Harrison, his parents, and all 9 brothers and sisters (Lora Marie, Richard Kenneth, Virginia Lee, Etta Louise, Marion May, William Harrison, Glen, Margaret, and Ethel Marlene).

He is survived by his loving wife and devoted sweetheart from the UK, Rita Elizabeth (Halladay), formerly of Northampton, England where they were united in marriage on February 21, 1970. Also surviving, daughter Rebecca Michelle Spann (Larry) of Nolanville, TX, grandsons Vincent Michael Jones of Centralia, WA and Nicholas Anthony Jones of Nolanville, TX, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

"JW" was his preferred name during his 21.5 years in the Navy cryptologic community, retiring as a CTOCS, and 18 years civil service with Naval Intelligence SPINTCOMM, retiring as a GS-13. He was a veteran of Vietnam and Dominican Republic civil war (1965). He enjoyed working with associate peers at DIA, CIA, NSA, and other military services and DOD personnel. In these capacities he traveled extensively for security inspections and communication upgrades planning. He traveled throughout the U.S., Asia, Europe, Iceland, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean for business and pleasure. His military awards consisted of five good conduct awards, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (3), Humanitarian Service Medal (2), Naval Security Group Meritorious Service Award and numerous Civil Service awards while employed at Naval Intelligence.

His walk with Christ began at an early age in Clay County, IL and continued throughout his life. He was active in churches in Hawaii, CA, IL, and Manassas, VA where he was an elder and song leader. He enjoyed nature, hunting, and was an avid music lover. He sang at weddings from coast to coast, duets, quartets, choirs in high school, college, Navy boot camp and one season with the Washington National Cathedral choir.

He was a Banking and Finance graduate of Southwestern Junior College, Chula Vista, CA and an alumnus of Lincoln Christian University, Lincoln, IL. He was a lifetime member of the Fleet Reserve Association, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, NRA, GOA, NAHC, NWTF and other outdoor organizations. He was a charter member of Wildlife Forever, a member at large of Izaak Walton League of America and a member of the U.S. Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association.

A memorial graveside service to celebrate JW's life will be held at 12:00 pm, Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Shouse Chapel Cemetery, Bible Grove with Carroll Ross officiating. Services will be followed by military funeral graveside honors. The McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville is assisting the family with the local arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or share a memory of JW, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.