Jack Edward James

Jack Edward James, formerly of Oak Island, passed away  on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at his home.

Mr. James was born on March 17, 1928 in Chatham County, North Carolina to the late J. Ed and Mae Harris  James.

Mr. James joined the U.S. Marine Corp. at the age of 17, and served until the end of World War II. He was proud to have participated in a documentary funded by UNCW and the Weyerhauser Corp where he shared his military experiences from Parris Island.  After the end of the war, Mr. James returned to Fayetteville to finish his schooling.

He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1947 and continued his education at N.C. State University and Elon College where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He taught in Reidsville and in Fayetteville before beginning his career with the Fayetteville Observer.  He retired after 36 years with the newspaper.

The James' retired to Oak Island in 1990 where they lived for 15 years. Mr. James started a second career as a building contractor during their time at the coast. In 2005, they returned home to Fayetteville.

Mr. James served as an elder, a church treasurer and on the building committee at Oak Island Presbyterian Church. After returning to Fayetteville, he became an active member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Mr. James also held offices in the Exchange Club and served on the board of the Advertising Media Credit Executive Association.

Mr. James and his wife were members of the Baker's Dozen Dinner Group and the Carousal Social Club.

Mr. James was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Selina Thompson.

Mr. James is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Powers James, two daughters, Kay James Purcell and husband Bill, of Winston Salem, and Jackie James Cass and husband, Duane, of Union Grove; step-daughter, Nancy Thompson Willetts of Fayetteville; four grandchildren, Wesley Purcell and wife Laura, Trey Millen, Meredith Millen, and Shannon Cass; two step-grandchildren, Bobby Caroon , Heather Chisenhall and husband, Bryan; one great-grandchild, Wesley Purcell Jr. and two step great-grandchildren, Liam and Schuyler Chisenhall.

A memorial service will be held at The First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at 1 pm.  Interment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held at Rogers and Breece funeral home on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015 from 6 to 8 pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to , First Presbyterian Building Fund, 102 Ann St. Fayetteville, NC, 28301.

The family would like to thank his special caregivers and the staff at 3HC Hospice.

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