James Lucian Alexander Arrington

James Lucian Alexander Arrington will be remembered as a kind, respectful, dignified gentleman who treated everyone with warmth and grace. He was truly one of a kind, and his presence will never be forgotten. His memory will live on in the hearts of all of us who knew, loved, and admired him. 

He was born on November 6, 1942, in Brightwood, Virginia to the union of Thomas Arrington and Dorothy Baker Arrington. He attended school in Madison County and graduated from George Washington Carver High School. He matriculated and received degrees from Howard University and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He received further training at the Federal Executive Institute in Charlottesville, VA, the premier program for leadership development of senior federal executives. 

James had a stellar career in the federal government, rising through the ranks to the Senior Executive Service level as the Deputy Commissioner of the General Services Administration (GSA). Upon retirement from GSA, he was the founder and CEO of JL Arrington Consulting LLC, that assisted businesses with federal contract procurement. 

James had a deep passion for public service and a genuine commitment to the people of Madison County and the surrounding communities. He took great pride in serving others and was known for being accessible, responsive, and dependable. Upon retirement, he returned to Madison, continued the fourth generation of the family farm, and entered politics. He was the first African American member of the Board of Supervisors of Madison County, serving three terms, ending as Chairman of the Board. When concerns were brought to his attention, he made it a priority to follow through and ensure that they were addressed. He remained closely connected to the community, and many knew they could find him each morning at the local McDonald’s, where he enjoyed breakfast, conversation, and fellowship with longtime friends, community members, constituents, and fellow leaders. 

He was appointed by Governor Mark Warner to serve on the Virginia Board of Local and Regional Jails. He also served as Chair of the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission Board for 12 years and was Vice Chair of the Executive Committee. His leadership, perspective and knowledge of the region’s history were highly valued by staff and fellow members. 

At an early age he was baptized and was a faithful member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church. He was a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Beta Nu Boule. He was an avid sportsman and was honored at Center Court for 40 years as a passionate and long-time season ticket holder for the Washington Wizards. One of his proudest moments was serving as coach of his daughter, Diana’s youth basketball team in the Silver Spring Recreational League. 

James is survived by his loving and devoted daughters, Diana Carolyn Arrington (Christopher Tangang) and Victoria Hines Arrington; a granddaughter, Caroline Arrington Tangang; sisters Georgia Arrington (Sylvester Booker), Dorothy Arrington Davis and Pamela Arrington Banks; nieces Kelly Arrington Booker, Lauren Arrington Davis, Roberta Dent Silverman, Grace Linda Daniels, and Gloria Arrington Lature; nephews Todd Arrington Banks, Christopher Arrington Banks, Arrington Bryan Booker, Brandon Davis Booker, Thomas Rodriguez, Aaron Arrington, Shawn Arrington and Matthew Arrington; and a host of grand nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and cherished friends. 

He was preceded in death by a wife, Carolyn Swygert Arrington, a brother, Thomas Arrington, II, and a sister, Grace Arrington Rodriguez. 

James Lucian was a humble man, who never lost his common touch. We are saddened by his departure, blessed by his love, cherished by the memories, and inspired by the example he lived.

A viewing will be held from 10-11:00 am on Monday, August 31, 2026 at the Preddy Funeral Home Chapel, in Madison, with the funeral service immediately following, with Rev. Frank Lewis officiating. Interment will be in Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Brightwood, Va.