THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 21, 1996 TAG: 9601190290
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines
A memorial service for James Judson Booker Jr., who died at age 88 in Wytheville Jan. 3, will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 28 at Deep Creek Baptist Church.
Booker was principal of Cradock High School from 1949 until 1966, when he became director of instruction for the Portsmouth Public Schools.
The memorial service is being organized by former students and colleagues in Portsmouth: Harriett Heath, former Cradock High faculty member; Eddie Lupton, director of music at Deep Creek Baptist Church; and the Rev. Ernie Myers, minister of Deep Creek Baptist.
Participants in the service will include Assistant U.S. Attorney Harvey Bryant III, president of the Cradock High student body in 1964, Cora Mae Fitzgerald and Delores Forehand.
``He was a legendary educational figure in the community of Cradock,'' Heath said. ``His influence as principal of Cradock High School was felt throughout the community.''
Heath said he was ``one of a kind.''
``He knew the names of all the students, and he attended every event associated with Cradock,'' she said. ``He was concerned with every aspect of the school's building and everyone in it. He did not settle for mediocrity and expected the best from everyone, who did everything in their power to please him.''
Heath visited Booker in 1994.
``He recalled many of the people and events surrounding Cradock High School and the people in the community,'' she said. ``These were still vivid and cherished memories to him.'' by CNB