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BORN
1932
DIED
2025
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Joe James Obituary
February 5, 1932 - January 16, 2025
Lieutenant Pilot Joe Frank James, 92, of Conover, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory.
He was born February 5, 1932 in Royston, GA to the late Carrice William and Susie Smith James. Joe was of the Christian faith and retired as a Lieutenant Pilot with North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Shirley Swink James; sister, Carrice Sue Deal; and grandson, William Andrew Hester.
Those left to cherish his memory are daughters, Glynis James of Lenoir, Kim James of Conover; grandchildren, Jody Hudson, Jeremy Jerome, Melanie Hester-Sweet and Wesley Hester; great-grandchildren, Amber Hudson, Jesse Hudson, Kaleigh Gragg, Hayden Nguyen, Zoey Hester and Ava Hester; great-great-grandchild, Emory Hudson.
A memorial service to celebrate Joe's life with honors by North Carolina Wildlife Commissions Honor Guard will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 12 p.m. in the Chapel of Bennett Funeral Service in Newton. Rev. Jim Church will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at Bennett Funeral Service.
Memorials may be made to North Carolina Wildlife Enforcement Officer Museum, NCWRC Attn: Hannah Hoffman, 1717 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1717. The income earned from this fund is invested in the future of fish and wildlife in their habitats.
Condolences may be sent to the James family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com.
The James family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton, NC 28658, 828-465-2111.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe James
Sponsored by Bennett Funeral Service - Newton.
2 Entries
Rusty Bracewell
January 29, 2025
Will never forget Frank. Many years ago, he ask my Dad and I if we wanted to fly with him sometime. Naturally we both agreed. Several weeks later he called my Dad, saying he was flying that evening in the Linville Gorge area, and naturally my Dad agreed. Was a moon lit light by the time we got back on the ground. But what got me was when he told me, we were flying at 500 feet, which caused me to grit my teeth till it hurt. That was until he told me just how he could fly the Gorge. After all Frank was said to be the best if not the greatest pilot in the NC Wildlife Commission. And, that I truly believe. With me, as a Veteran, I know that as long as someone's name is remembered, that person will always be with us. Rest in Finally Glory Frank, you deserve it.
Rick and Jeanie Deese
January 19, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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Memorial Events
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Jan
21
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
Bennett Funeral Service - Newton7878 NC Hwy 16 P.O. Box 234, Newton, NC 28658
Jan
21
Memorial service
12:00 p.m.
Bennett Funeral Service - Newton7878 NC Hwy 16 P.O. Box 234, Newton, NC 28658
Funeral services provided by:
Bennett Funeral Service - Newton7878 NC Hwy 16 P.O. Box 234, Newton, NC 28658
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