Virginia Beach - James Edward Cherwa, Sr., also lovingly known through the years as Jim, Bulldog, Polack, Great Pole, Dad, Pops, and Dziadziu (Jaju), passed away peacefully on 3 October 2025 at his home in Virginia Beach, VA. Through sheer willpower, or perhaps the renowned Cherwa stubbornness, he battled metastatic lung cancer long enough to celebrate his 76th birthday, passing the following day.

Born in Key West, FL, on 2 October 1949, Jim was a celebrated high school baseball player who went on to play in the farm league for the Kingsport Royals and was later drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. True to his humble nature, he rarely spoke of his accomplishments and lived a simple, happy life as a proud union member in the elevator industry, where he worked until his retirement. In subsequent years, Jim spent time on his favorite hobby: tending to his yard; in confidence, he frequently commented that “the grass isn’t smarter than me.” He also enjoyed serving as the self-elected neighborhood watch from his “office”—a chair in his garage—assisting neighbors, looking after his family, and spending time with their French bulldogs.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan; two sons, James, Jr. “Jim Beam,” Brian “Cow” (Michelle); grandsons Tyler, Conner, and Ryan; brother Mike (Annette), sister Mary Ann; nieces Michelle and Christina; and nephew Kevin.

In contrast to his stoic and hardened persona, Jim was a deeply caring and loving man that demonstrated this nature not through words, but rather in his actions. A recent tribute from one of his grandsons stated that “heaven gained the realest man I’ve ever known, and you may be gone, but your lessons live in me forever.” It is appropriate to say that surviving family members share this sentiment. Jim was a unique man of various talents, interests, and demeanor whose presence is already greatly missed.

Upon his wishes, Jim’s life and legacy will be celebrated by a small group of friends and family at his childhood home on an undisclosed date.

Simply Cremation is assisting his family during this difficult time. Please share memories and express condolences at SimplyCremationOnline.com.