James Linwood Dudley, Sr.

James Linwood Dudley Sr., was born August 22, 1956 in Washington D.C to Clarence Dudley and Lucille Greene. James was one of ten children, 5 Brothers and 5 Sisters. He held the family distinction of being the Big Little Brother to his 5 older siblings and the real Big Brother to the younger 4 siblings. Affectionately known as "Lin" He was truly a phenomenal man. Lin attended DC Public Schools, Graduating from HD Woodson HS. James excelled at Baseball, Basketball and Football all while making sure to hit the books just as hard. Regarded as a star athlete, he can be remembered for moments like scoring the buzz beater shot in his 10th year reunion basketball game. Having been afforded the opportunity to take his talents overseas to play basketball. Along with the many feats of athletic prowess he was able to display while coaching and training his boys and nephews all throughout his prime! Lin went on to get his Bachelors Degree in Education from Frostburg University and his Masters in Education from Trinity Washington University. He was the first of siblings to reach those milestones, blazing the trail for others to follow. Lin served as an Educator, Lead Educator, Grade Level Administrator, School Director and Principal for over 35 years! Lin took his love for teaching, guidance and leadership into DCPS, PGCPS, Baltimore Public Schools and Prince William County Public Schools. Of all the roles he served as an EDUCATOR, it was a known fact, that classroom teaching was his PASSION & FOREVER LOVE. If there was a teaching or coaching moment you knew that James Linwood Dudley Sr was going to school you! Outside of Teaching and Coaching there are three for sure things about our Beloved Lin. The Brother had to make sure he Looked GOOD. His Physical Fitness and Well Being was NOT to be played with. Third, but ABOVE ALL he Loved, Loved, LOVED his Family! There was nothing in this world more important than that to him! You could always find Lin showing up to the family functions in his best athletic wear, cozy but ready to style and profile. Or, the cleanest meanest suit and tie strutting his BEST stuff like GOD himself sent him there! Oh and don't touch his hair. A True Gentleman. Lin left a mark and impression on you that could bot be matched. Lin was so much more, a man of many talents and deep, profound knowledge. He was EVERYTHING to this family. He was always a phone call away. He was always there when any of his brothers and sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews, grandkids and friends needed him. This man would give you the shirt off his back, food off his plate and the money out his pockets. All to make sure you were good. There was no ask or task too large. A steady stoic presence with a gentle heart! His lifelong work, his pride and joy, his purpose- his three sons. James Jr., Jalan and Joshua. Lin worked tirelessly to set the best example for his boys. Working around the clock to not only provide but instill a work ethic and level of responsibility that was always to serve a greater purpose. From taking his boys to the field or court to work on their skills he put all of his heart and love into developing into men who could excel and thrive in any circumstances. When it came to his three boys you couldn't tell him ANYTHING. That same love extended to 3 much younger siblings that joined our family Jourdan, Janai and Ashton. However it was his grandkids, The True Apples of His Eye - James III, Jasmine, Juliana, Jaida , Jelani and Jazmin. If you were around him he was always speaking about one of them opening his phone to show you what they were up to. Truly a proud father and grandfather and that could not be denied. Lin gave everything he had to make sure his babies were good no questions asked! Lin leaves behind his Sisters, Carolyn McCoy, Sheila Anderson(Leon), Linda Holland (Richard) and Karen Dudley and Brother Donald Dudley(Tracy). Sons, James Jr. (Rosie), Jalan , Joshua and Ashton. Daughters Jourdan and Janai. Grandchildren, James III, Jasmine, Juliana, Jaida, Jelani and Jazmin. A Very Special Niece, Best Friend and Confidant- Shontia Oliver(Ron). As well as 3 generations of nieces and nephews, family and friends alike. Lin, returned home on April 12, 2025. From the man himself just know that "Life, It's never how you start it's how you finish and it's a marathon not a race, take your time plan your moves and always finish strong!' Jeremiah 29:11

James Linwood Dudley, Sr.

August 22, 1956 - April 12, 2025