James "Ike" M. Ikuss, 77, peacefully passed away at home on Monday, December 16, 2024. Born in Newark, New Jersey, to Thomas and Jacqueline Ikuss, Ike was a proud resident of Hampton, Virginia, for over 40 years.

Ike dedicated 20 years to serving his country in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. Following his military career, he continued to serve his community for 25 years as a Civil Service Warehouse Supervisor at Fort Monroe.

An active member of the American Legion Post 357 in South Bend, Indiana, and VFW Post 3219 in Hampton, Virginia, Ike took pride in his roles as a past commander at both posts. A lifelong Notre Dame football fan, Ike spent five years stationed on the university's campus with the Air Force, working closely with ROTC recruits. He was also a loyal Washington Commanders supporter. Ike and his beloved wife, Barbara, shared a passion for traveling the East Coast, with Ocean City, Maryland, holding a special place in their hearts.

Ike was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Katherine Dietrich; his brother, Thomas Ikuss; and his stepdaughter, Sylvia Laskey.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Ikuss; his daughter, Toni Veloce (Frank); his stepdaughter, Lorna Davis (Mike); his cherished grandchildren, Frank Veloce III (Lily), John Veloce, Antonia Veloce, Kristina Pearson (John), and Vanessa Davis (Jason Bassett); and great-grandchildren, Kellan Pearson, Leah Pearson, Alden Pearson, Ayla Bassett, and Audrey Bassett. He is also survived by his nieces, Laurie Dietrich and Kristie Smith (Brian); nephews, Raymond Dietrich, Jay Sheridan (Utsugi), Thomas Ikuss, and Joseph Ikuss; sister-in-law, Jody Ikuss and many friends and family members.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton. Interment with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Ike's honor.