James Newton McLeroy

James Newton McLeroy slipped the bonds of earth on April 4, 2011. A son of the late Lewis Franklin and Eunice Josephine Chandler McLeroy, Jim began his life on January 24, 1912 in Bogart, Georgia, and spent much of his boyhood with family and friends in the rural farming community around Athens, GA. The family eventually moved to Charlotte, NC, where Jim attended Central High School.

Jim McLeroy joined the U.S. Army in December, 1942, and served honorably in the Phillipines and occupied Japan during World War II as a Technical Sergeant in the Army Engineer Corp. After completing his term of service with the military in 1946, Jim went to work for Henry Crane Grocery. During this time, Jim credits Barry and Janie Blasingame for introducing him to the woman he would eventually marry, Sadie Rae Long, on December 1, 1946. Their love continued for sixty years and produced their son, Glenn Edward McLeroy. Jim later worked and retired from Scandura Company as a heavy machine operator.

Jim McLeroy was not defined by his job. He applied his work ethic to all areas of his life. He learned from his father the value of self sufficiency and was an experienced wood worker and master gardener. Jim McLeroy helped build the family’s home on Beatties Ford Road and made furniture for his home and others. He was a friendly competitor with other gardeners in his church community, and often shared the fruits of his labors with neighbors and family. The customers of Reid’s Grocery in Charlotte often benefited from the many bushels of delicious vegetables he raised in his garden over the years.

Jim also worked within his church, Williams Memorial Presbyterian, as well. As a member there for over fifty years, Mr. McLeroy assisted the scoutmasters in the Boy Scout program, worked on the church barbeques and served as a Deacon and Elder. In his latter years, both Jim and Sadie enjoyed bus tours with the many friends from the church and community.

As an avid surf fisherman, he enjoyed many trips to the Outer Banks with his fellow fishing gang, never failing to bring back a cooler full of fish for his family.

Jim’s most loved activity was teaching his son everything he knew about carpentry, gardening, and fishing. He was a proud father, and much loved by his son, Glenn and wife, Sadie Rae.

In his latter years of retirement, both Jim and Sadie enjoyed the fellowship, fun, and lunches at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McLeroy was predeceased by his beloved wife Sadie Rae, brother, Ernest McLeroy of Jacksonville, Florida, and sister, Evelyn M. Roberts of Charlotte.

Survivors include son Glenn McLeroy of Charlotte, cousins Martha M. Phillips and Mary M. Larkey of Georgia as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express its appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Presbyterian Huntersville, and the Levine and Dickson Hospice House for wonderful personal care they provided. Special thanks go to Michael and Cindy Woolbright, and Dee Ellis the wonderful connection they made with Jim, and for their loving care during his extended illness.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Tuesday, April 5, 2011 in Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church 4700 Beatties Ford Road. The celebration of his life will take place 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 6, 2011 in Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church. The interment will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Williams Memorial Presbyterian Church 4700 Beatties Ford Rd. Charlotte, NC 28216, or to Levine and Dickson Hospice House 11900 Vanstory Dr. Huntersvilile, NC 28078.

We shall miss his tomatoes, his fortitude, and amazing example of living but we rejoice knowing he no longer feels the pain of illness but is in the joyous presence of Jesus, our Lord and those loved ones who have gone before.

Please log on to www.mcewenderitachapel.com to sign the guest registry.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Derita Chapel, Charlotte, NC.