VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A grieving family is preparing to lay their son to rest after he was hit by car while crossing the street in Virginia Beach. A vigil is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 26.
The 23-year-old dad of a baby girl was returning from his new job when his life was cut short.
James Christopher Beckles IV was riding his bike on his way home from work Tuesday night. His family told us he was walking his bike across the street at Lynnhaven Parkway and Princess Anne Road and was halfway across, when he was hit and killed. Devastated, his family told 10 On Your Side he leaves behind a seven-month-old baby girl.
“He just wanted to be a great dad,” said James’ father, James Beckles III.
A great dad who wanted the world for his daughter.
“He loved her so, so much and that he wanted to provide a living for her and give her anything she wanted. That was his goal,” Beckles said.
Beckles is still in disbelief that his only son is gone.
Beckles told us his son had just started a new job while waiting for his paperwork to process as a merchant seaman. Tuesday night, he was riding his bike home after completing his second day at his new job.
Police say Beckles was crossing southbound on Princess Anne Road when he was hit by a sedan traveling eastbound.
Beckles’ father told WAVY the man driving the vehicle hit his son in the middle of the intersection. The 23-year-old died instantly.
Police say the driver stayed on the scene and was cooperative with the investigation.
“No parent thinks that they will ever bury their child,” Beckles said.
That night, Beckles took a call from his ex-wife, who was concerned she hadn’t heard from their son. He started calling the local hospitals — until his daughter knocked on his door in tears.
“He will definitely be missed by many, many, many people,” Beckles said.
Beckles remembers his son as a gentle giant, devoted family man and a national champion in Taekwondo–winning a title in 2014.
“He loved sports, he loved people, very big heart,” Beckles said. “All I have left are his memories. Great memories. At least we have a piece of him left through his daughter. Through his daughter, life will go on.”
In telling us about his son, Beckles also has a message for parents.
“Love on your kids. You never know when its their last day. Love on them,” Beckles said.
Virginia Beach Police’s Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the crash.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or possess any information pertinent to the investigation is urged to contact the Traffic Safety Unit at (757) 385-4606 or via anonymous tip through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP/P3Tips.com.