Obituary for James Vandyke "Uncle Mike or Mr. Rogers" Godwin
James Vandyke Godwin was born to the late Vandyke Toy and Lorraine “Marie” Walker Godwin on May 26, 1942. He was the fifth of six children born. James answered God’s call on October 30, 2021 at Philadelphia Methodist Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
James was educated in the public schools of Accomack County. As a child, he loved cars. His mother purchased his first car at the age of sixteen. James made this car a “Hot Rod.” He painted red and orange flames on the sides. His peers admired his car and his skills. James was well known for his impeccable work on cars. He worked as an autobody technician for many years. He also held other odd jobs in the community, but his passion was always cars.
James met his wife, Naomi, in grade school. They were inseparable as young children. People often joked about them being married one day. On June 17, 1962, they were joined in holy matrimony.
James was known to keep his family and friends laughing. Anyone who knew him will remember him for his jokes and sense of humor. His grandchildren affectionately named him “Pop Pop” and “Mr. Rogers,” for his hilarious impersonation of the TV star. Thus the nickname caught on to all family and friends. He also took on the nickname “Mike.” While working on cars, he would wear a shirt with the name Mike on it, so he proudly answered to this name.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his siblings, Vernon “Buck” Godwin, Robert “Bobby” Godwin, Edward Godwin, and George Godwin.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Naomi Godwin; four sons, Edward “Eddie” Godwin (Sandra), James Godwin, Jr., Aaron Godwin, and Joshua Godwin; one daughter, Valerie Godwin; four grandchildren, Tysan Godwin (Tyisha), Shakea Thomas, Jarell Corbin, Sr., and Zaire Godwin; seven great-grandchildren, Kwynasia, Tysania, Z’nyah, Zhaquan, Jayda, Jazell, and Jarell, Jr. “Man Man;” special friends, George Davis, Jr., Chester Walker (cousin), Wilbert “Pop” Hill, Bonny Lynch, and Frederica (Robert) Buggs; one sister, Betty (Carl) Glasgow; two sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family
James was educated in the public schools of Accomack County. As a child, he loved cars. His mother purchased his first car at the age of sixteen. James made this car a “Hot Rod.” He painted red and orange flames on the sides. His peers admired his car and his skills. James was well known for his impeccable work on cars. He worked as an autobody technician for many years. He also held other odd jobs in the community, but his passion was always cars.
James met his wife, Naomi, in grade school. They were inseparable as young children. People often joked about them being married one day. On June 17, 1962, they were joined in holy matrimony.
James was known to keep his family and friends laughing. Anyone who knew him will remember him for his jokes and sense of humor. His grandchildren affectionately named him “Pop Pop” and “Mr. Rogers,” for his hilarious impersonation of the TV star. Thus the nickname caught on to all family and friends. He also took on the nickname “Mike.” While working on cars, he would wear a shirt with the name Mike on it, so he proudly answered to this name.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his siblings, Vernon “Buck” Godwin, Robert “Bobby” Godwin, Edward Godwin, and George Godwin.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Naomi Godwin; four sons, Edward “Eddie” Godwin (Sandra), James Godwin, Jr., Aaron Godwin, and Joshua Godwin; one daughter, Valerie Godwin; four grandchildren, Tysan Godwin (Tyisha), Shakea Thomas, Jarell Corbin, Sr., and Zaire Godwin; seven great-grandchildren, Kwynasia, Tysania, Z’nyah, Zhaquan, Jayda, Jazell, and Jarell, Jr. “Man Man;” special friends, George Davis, Jr., Chester Walker (cousin), Wilbert “Pop” Hill, Bonny Lynch, and Frederica (Robert) Buggs; one sister, Betty (Carl) Glasgow; two sisters-in-law; four brothers-in-law; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family