Joseph Manley Creech Jr.
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| Jim's children with Willie Mae Currin Creech |
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| Edith Marie Creech Leffler |
| Geraldine “Gerry” Creech Phillips Sept. 5, 1943-Nov. 30, 2023 Virginia Beach, VA |
| Nancy Lou Creech Kell March 16, 1947-April 26, 2022 Virginia Beach, VA |
| Joseph "Joe" Lee Creech |
Joseph "Jim" Manley Creech Jr. led a life marked by a formidable presence, adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial drive, and unwavering commitment to his community. From his early days on a North Carolina farm to a successful career in construction and a passion for stock car racing, Jim's journey was characterized by dedication to his family and a lifelong involvement in various aspects of his life.
Joseph Manley Creech Jr., known affectionately as "Jim" or "J.M." to distinguish him from his father from an early age, was born on December 18, 1919, in Johnston County, North Carolina. He was the fourth child of Lillian Stancil Creech and Joseph Manley Creech Sr. Jim grew up alongside his four siblings: William Leslie Creech, Creola Beatrice Creech, Joseph Worth Creech, and Paul Douglas Creech. Standing approximately 6'1" tall and weighing about 250 pounds, J.M. had a commanding presence. Following his father's death, he had to leave school to help with the family farm.
J.M. had a keen eye for "pretty women," and when he met Willie B. Currin while driving a taxi in Durham, he knew she was special. Willie was from Granville County, North Carolina, born on May 27, 1919, to William R. and Henrietta K. Currin. Her family were established farmers in Granville County, tracing their lineage through grandparents Ralph and Elizabeth A. Currin, and great-grandparents Ancil and Letha Currin.
In 1939, J.M. and Willie traveled to Virginia, possibly South Boston or South Hill, to get married. They initially moved in with J.M.'s sister Creola and her husband Earl, before settling into a one-room apartment of their own.
During World War II, Jim honorably served his country as a veteran of the Merchant Marines.
Jim and Willie Mae welcomed four children: Edith Marie (born July 24, 1940), Geraldine Ann (born September 5, 1943), Nancy (born March 16, 1947), and Joseph "Joe" Lee Creech (born February 18, 1956). Approximately six months after Nancy's birth, J.M. moved the family to Norfolk, Virginia. Willie Mae became a member of Fox Hall Baptist Church and later joined another Baptist Church in Norfolk. She eventually retired as a salesclerk from Goodwill Industries after ten years and passed away at the age of 71 on April 21, 1991, in a Norfolk nursing home.
In Norfolk, J.M. started a painting business, eventually expanding it into a successful general contracting firm, Joseph M. Creech Inc. General Contractors. He was renowned for his exceptional eye for color, able to create an exact match after just a single look. After a fulfilling career, he eventually retired as the owner and operator of his company. Jim also had a soft spot for animals, often giving a stray dog or cat a loving home.
In the mid-1950s, J.M. discovered a new passion: stock car racing, taking on the moniker "Jim Creech" for his racing endeavors. He raced at the Chinese Corner Speedway, a micro midget dirt track that was a 3/8-mile sand oval located at Witchduck and Virginia Beach Boulevard in Norfolk (later renamed the Norfolk Speedway in 1960). His love for racing even took him to Daytona Beach, where he would visit his first cousins, Ruby Hales Blair and Ethel Hales Stancil, whose mother, Octavia Creech, was his father's sister. Jim even had an opportunity to join with the creators of NASCAR but ultimately declined.
Jim's heart problems began in 1962. After 33 years of marriage, J.M. and Willie Mae divorced in 1972.
Around 1974, Jim married Kathleen Sarah Steele Couch. J.M. converted to Catholicism, and he and Kathleen were married by a priest, establishing a faith that he adhered to for the rest of his life. Tragically, Kathleen developed emphysema and passed away around 1982. She is buried in Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Norfolk.
A few years after Kathleen's death, Jim found companionship again and married Ernestine "Ernie" Rich Zilonka on November 16, 1985, in Newport News, Virginia. Ernestine was born on August 6, 1930. Together, Jim and Ernestine began enjoying their retirement.
In March 1976, when Las Vegas workers went on strike, Jim's adventurous spirit led him to suggest a memorable trip for his daughters and their spouses. He generously offered to pay for plane fare and hotel accommodations to Hawaii instead. Jim, Kathleen, Marie, Dale, Geraldine, Nancy, and Bruce embarked on this special journey. While in Hawaii, they visited his cousin, George Guy Stancil, who had moved there after his Army service. Guy graciously took them to all the beautiful sites and treated them royally, introducing them to his daughter Kathleen and son Doug.
J.M. was an active and dedicated member of the Norfolk Host Lions Club. He held the distinguished honor of being a life member and a past president of the club, and his significant contributions were recognized when he was named their "Lion of the Year" in 1991 and also honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow.
Around 1998, J.M. began experiencing memory problems, which were eventually diagnosed as Alzheimer's. He and Ernie moved into a condo in Norfolk. His daughter Nancy moved back to Norfolk to spend extra time with her father and assist with his care. J.M. remained at home until approximately two months before his death, becoming a personable and popular resident with many friends in the nursing home.
Joseph "Jim" Manley Creech Jr. passed away at the age of 83 on January 12, 2003, in Norfolk, Virginia. His funeral was held in the chapel of Cox Funeral Home in Norfolk, officiated by Father John Dorgan. J.M. was laid to rest in the Saint Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum in Norfolk.
Ernestine R. Creech passed away on October 5, 2004, in Norfolk, Virginia. She is buried in Mary Love Cemetery in Hamlet, North Carolina.
Jim Creech is remembered for his industrious spirit, his service to his country, his entrepreneurial success, his love for racing, and his unwavering dedication to his family and community.
— Renn Stancil Hinton, daughter of George Ralph Stancil