James Wilford Preston

On September 5, 2025, James Wilford “JW” Preston departed this life at home in Rocky Mount, VA. Born in Franklin County, VA on September 11, 1951, he was a son of  the late Thelma and Albert Preston.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, and  four brothers:  Randolph,  Albert,  Charles, and  Thomas.  

He attended schools in Franklin County and Rocky Mount, VA.  After graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Army and served five years.  He was honorably discharged and  returned home to Rocky Mount.    Worked in several local industries including Mod-u-Kraf Homes.  Was joined in marriage to Clara O”Neal Trotter in 1995.  

Those left to cherish his memory include: his wife of 30 years, Clara Preston;  one brother:  Leroy Preston;  three stepchildren:  Kenneth Trotter,  Carlos (Cynthia) Trotter,  Diana Trotter-Thomas;  six sisters in-law and three brothers in-law:  Georgia Clark,  Katie Preston,  Henrietta (Peter) McHeimer,  June (Stanford) Nance,  Mary Witcher,  Lanita O'Neal, and James O'Neal Jr;                     four grandchildren: Dwayne Edwards,  Lyric (Brian) Schuellein,  Timya Thomas, Carlos(CJ) Trotter, three great grandchilden: Lilian, Silas, and Kendall; and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and   friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at Bright Star Ministries (Hopkins Rd) on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11 AM.