Army Major (Retired) James Nelson Poovey Jr, has passed and now resides with our Heavenly Father. Born June 13th, 1966 and departing this world on October 27th, 2021. Major Poovey served his country and the military with distinction for over 30 years, 21 of which were on active duty. Enlisting in the North Carolina Army National Guard as an Infantryman in 1986, Poovey served in 2nd Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment in Hickory for the next 4 years. After graduating from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1991, he joined the U.S Navy for 2 years as a Damage Controlman, and was assigned to the USS Saratoga out of Mayport, FL. Before exiting the active-duty Navy, Poovey attained the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class.
In 1996 Major Poovey re-enlisted in the North Carolina Army National Guard, and in August of 1999, graduated as a member of Officer Candidate School Class 41 from the North Carolina Military Academy at FT Bragg, NC. Newly commissioned, Poovey was immediately assigned as an Engineer Platoon Leader in Mt Airy, NC, as part of C Company, 505th Engineer Battalion. Within 2 years, then Lieutenant Poovey, transitioned to Title 32 active duty with the North Carolina Army National Guard, and was assigned to the 105th Military Police Battalion in Asheville. During his time with the 105th Military Police Battalion, he served as the fulltime Battalion Adjutant, fulltime Administrative Officer, Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, and Company Commander of the 210th Military Police Company in Franklin, NC. His service in the 210th included deploying in 2003-2004 as a Platoon Leader in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in Baghdad, Iraq, where his unit was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for their selfless and heroic efforts. Additionally, his unit deployed to Louisiana as part of the North Carolina Quick Reaction Force (QRF) in response to Hurricane Katrina in August and September of 2005, supporting citizens and local authorities. While in Louisiana, he rescued and adopted his faithful dog Jake from the waters of Katrina.
Major Poovey’s postings as a full-time member of the National Guard included assignments in Asheville, Charlotte, Asheboro, Statesville, Lenoir, and Raleigh, culminating in the G1 Soldier Support Services Directorate at Joint Force Headquarters in Raleigh, NC. Retiring in 2018. Major Poovey’s awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War of Terrorism Medal, Army Overseas Service Ribbon, North Carolina National Guard Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge, Paratrooper Badge, Army National Guard Recruiting Badge, and the North Carolina State Active Duty Ribbon, among others.
Major Poovey was an educated and well-loved father, brother, and son. He earned a BA in History from Lenoir Rhyne College and Masters in Organizational Management from Pfeiffer University, after attending both Salem and Brevard Colleges. Major Poovey held his family, friends, colleagues, and home close to his heart. He enjoyed spending time with his son, Captain Vince Keller, reminiscing with family and friends, cooking, fishing, spending time at Holden Beach, listening to music, and was a proud Army Veteran. Always a jokester Jim loved people and giving his friends and family nicknames. He supported St Judes’ Children’s Hospital and helped make a child’s dream come true with The Make a Wish Foundation. Major Poovey had and unwavering desire and unmatched dedication to serving our nation and helping those in need any time he could in his personal life. He had a servant’s heart and shared his legacy with others in his passing. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Dr. James Nelson Poovey and Ms. Mary Glenn Kiker. He is survived by his only son Captain John Vincent Keller, a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard and Physician’s Assistant, residing in Gastonia, NC, whom he loved and admired with all of his heart. Also surviving are his four siblings Mary Kathryn Poovey, Shannon L. Poovey Renard and husband Rick Renard, Lieutenant Colonel Frank Wade Poovey and wife Kelly Delponti Poovey, Nikol Rene Poovey Maynor and husband Dr Chad E. Maynor, and chosen brother Staff Sergeant Thomas Lee Herman; Uncles Mr. Frank W. Kiker, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kiker; 4 nieces and nephews, Staff Sergeant Tyler Helton, Austin Renard, Savannah Renard, and Cullen Poovey, Step-mother Sharon Poovey, along with Step-siblings-Stacy Southard and Stephen Southard and sons Jackson and Cole.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at the family homeplace on Sunday, November 14th, 2021 at 2 pm. It is requested by the family that you come as you are and dress comfortably. Contributions may be made to Bronze Star Homes (https://www.bronzestarhomes.org). Flowers may be sent to the home at 6315 Greedy Highway, Hickory NC 28602. The family also ask celebrants if it is within their hearts and means to bless a child with a fishing trip, clothe a Veteran or share a meal with a loved one or friend in Jimmy’s honor.
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