James Willard Eaton, Jr,

James Willard Eaton, Jr, 92, of Machipongo, Virginia passed from this life peaceably at home on October 24, 2024. Jim was born in Portsmouth, Virginia to James W Eaton, Sr. and Bertha Chase Eaton, and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia and Mebane, North Carolina. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1950, joined the Army and served honorably during the Korean War as a paratrooper. After completing his service, Jim attended Duke University and joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduating in 1957 with a degree in accounting, he joined the Navy Reserve as an officer with the Naval Intelligence Service, then transitioned to the regular Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, completing a year tour in Viet Nam from 1968-1969, and rose to the rank of Commander. Jim served on several ships and ultimately commanded the USS Power (DD 839) out of Brooklyn, New York, retiring from the Navy in 1979. He earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials in 1980 and worked at the Coopers and Lybrand office in Hampton until he opened his own business, providing tax services in the Tidewater region. He also served in the Chesapeake City Treasurers office. Jim married Betty Ann Lowe, also from Portsmouth, in 1955, raising their four children together in Chesapeake, Virginia. Jim was a dedicated public servant and volunteered as Deacon and Treasurer for Churchland Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia and as treasurer of Franktown Methodist Church in Franktown, Virginia. He was active in Rotary clubs in Portsmouth and Exmore, Virginia. In 2002, Jim built his own house on Hungars Creek in Machipongo, Virginia and loved being there most of all. Jim is survived by his four children Jim Eaton (Lissa) of Salisbury, Maryland, Ed Eaton (Sue) of St. Charles, Missouri, Lynn Eaton (Kevin Hegg) of Harrisonburg, Virginia, and Tom Eaton (Alison) of Falls Church, Virginia; eleven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The family would also like to express our deepest appreciation for the dedication and attention of his caregiver, Jane Fair, over these last two years. A memorial service with Full Military Honors will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Churchland Baptist Church with Reverend Donna Hopkins Britt officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the charity of your choice.