James Parrish Trant Jr., a Newport News native, passed away on August 14, 2019, at the age of 95. Jim was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on October 13, 1923 to the late Catherine Butt Trant and James Parrish Trant.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Bruce Shepard Trant; his wife, Shirley Edwards Trant; his sister, Emily Trant Burgwyn; and his son, James “Shep” Trant. He is survived by his sister Catherine Sue Trant Hill; his daughter, Jean Trant Saunders and his daughter-in-law, Peggy Trant. Jim is also survived by his granddaughters, Brooke Hinkle and Amanda Kelly.

Jim was a member of the United States Air Force during World War II.  After the war he returned to school and was a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  He continued his education at the University of Virginia where he earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  He spent his career working as an engineer at NASA and later at Fort Eustis.

Jim and his wife, Shirley, were founding members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Newport News, Virginia.

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, August 29, at Olive Branch Cemetery in Portsmouth, with the Rev. Richard Budd presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Jim Trant to Saint Stephens Episcopal Church or to the charity of your choice.

Jim’s family would like to extend a special thanks to Jewish Family Services for their caring, guidance and support.

Arrangements are in the care of Altmeyer Funeral Home- Denbigh Chapel.