James Britt (Jimmy) League III, 88, of Hampton, Virginia died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 10, 2024.

Captain League was born in Newport News, on December 28, 1935, to his parents Molly Masters and James Britt League, Jr.

As the son of an Army Air Corps pilot, Jimmy lived in numerous places, ultimately spending most of his life in Hampton. He was a graduate of Hampton High School, Class of 1954. He attended The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, until learning of his acceptance into the Virginia Pilot Association as an apprentice. Jimmy then embarked on a successful and fulfilling career as a Virginia Harbor Pilot for 43 years, until his retirement in December 1999.

Sharing in his journey was his devoted wife of 60 years, Barbara Anne (Ingram) League. Together, they raised their three children: Kelly, Britt IV, and John in Hampton. Jimmy's greatest love was being a Dad and Granddad and spending time with his family. He was a loyal, generous, and fun-loving friend, who was most at home on the water.  A true gentleman who never met a stranger, Jimmy loved his hometown of Hampton, his country, and his English bulldogs.

A long-time member of First Presbyterian Church in Hampton, Jimmy is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter, Kelly Thornton (Jon); Jessica, Ellie, and Brooke; son, Britt IV (Caren); Maddie, Britt V, and Braden; son, John (Emily); Lainey and Miles. He is also survived by his sister Mary Calfee and brother George B. League (Kim).

A visitation will be held at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 S. Armistead Avenue, Hampton on Sunday, January 14, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 514 S. Armistead Ave, Hampton. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Hampton Yacht Club from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The interment in Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Captain League's memory to the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692,  or click here to donate.