J. Irving Baines, 85, of Suffolk, passed away on January 14, 2009. A native of Whaleyville, VA he was the son of the late Linwood E. Baines and Maggie Savage Baines. He was also predeceased by his first wife of 45 years, Joyce U. Baines, a daughter, Sharon K. Baines and one sister and four brothers. Irving retired from the Sheriff's Department, City of Suffolk after serving 34 years, 24 of which he was the Sheriff. He was a member of Whaleyville Methodist Church for 73 years where he served as chairman and member of numerous committees; past president and current member of Virginia Sheriff's Association, Cypress Ruritan Club, Progressive Men's Club, Suffolk Moose Lodge #141 and a former member of the Suffolk Elks Lodge.
He is survived by his wife of 7 years, Shirley A. Baines; two daughters and son-in-law, Vickie Cochran and Pamela S. B. Cornell and Mark A. Cornell of Suffolk, VA; two step-daughters and step-sons in-law, Sharon K. and Fred Williams of North Carolina, Robin and Tyler Brown of King, NC; one step-son and step-daughter-in-law Robert R. Harrell, Jr. and Christine Harrell of Suffolk; grandchildren, Clinton B. Cochran and Stephanie N. Cornell; step-grandchildren, Michael A. Cornell, Kathryn E. Cornell, Stephanie O'Neal, Jason Thomas, and Elizabeth Peele, Ty Brown, Reid Harrell, James Simpson, Jr.; step-great grandchildren, Ian, Keegan, Shae; numerous other family and friends. Special thanks to Becky Case and friends for the loving care and concern for Irving during his illness.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Parr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, with Pastor Judd Ihlefield officiating. Burial will follow at Whaleyville United Methodist Church Cemetery. Friends may join the family for visitation at the funeral home on Friday evening, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and other times at the residence. Memorial donations may be given to Whaleyville United Methodist Church, 6323 Whaleyville Boulevard, Suffolk, VA 23438.