Rev. Dr. James Arthur Hudson, Jr.

Reverend Doctor James Arthur Hudson, Jr., 80, of South Hill, VA entered eternal rest on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, VA.

He was born November 25, 1944, in South Hill, VA to the late Deacon James Arthur Hudson, Sr., and Deaconess Martha Lucille Taylor Hudson. He accepted his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized at Lombardy Grove Baptist Church. Rev. Hudson received his high school education at the former East End High School, where he played basketball and was the starting quarterback on the football team. He furthered his education at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia, and Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama, where he earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1969.

His professional career began in Reston, Virginia, where he joined the staff of Dominion Animal Hospital. After three years in Northern Virginia, he returned to South Hill in 1972, where he became the owner and operator of Southside Animal Clinic as the first black veterinarian in Mecklenburg County. His passion for animals allowed him to be a fixture in the community for over 30 years.

The call to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ came in September 1985, and he was licensed to preach under the tutelage of the late Rev. Arenzo Jefferson. His pastoral journey began at Hayes Grove Baptist Church in Union Level, Virginia, where he served for three years. In 1987, Rev. Hudson was named Pastor of Wharton Memorial Baptist Church in Nelson, Virginia, a position he held for 32 years. His impact on the church family is incomparable. Until his retirement in December 2019, he was truly committed to leading the congregation to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Hudson lived a full life that impacted countless people. He lived by the words from his favorite scripture, Joshua 1:8, “This book of the law shall not depart of thy mouth; but shalt meditate therein day and night…” He loved fishing and visiting the Outer Banks to enjoy the calmness and peacefulness of the ocean.

He leaves to cherish his legacy and memory his loving wife, Marjorie Helen Hudson of South Hill, VA; his son and daughter-in-law, Jamar and Cherisse Hudson of Temple Hills, Maryland; and his cherished grandchildren, Emory James and Eden Noelle. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Constance and Ernest Lambert of Midlothian, Virginia; sisters-in-law Dartheen Love and Vera Cannon (Pete) of Mobile, Alabama; his aunt Esther Clemons of Rochester, New York; his devoted caretaker, Donte Marks, his beloved Wharton Memorial Baptist Church family, and a vast number of other loving relatives and caring friends.

Funeral services for Reverend Doctor James Arthur Hudson, Jr. will be conducted 12:00 Noon Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Wharton Memorial Baptist Church, Nelson, VA with Rev. Dr. Louis Leigh, Sr. delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow at Lombardy Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, South Hill, VA. Public viewing for family and friends will be held on Tuesday at Lombardy Grove Baptist Church, 5230 Goodes Ferry Road, South Hill, VA 23970 from 2:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M.

Arrangements are by C. H. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clarksville, VA.