James Ralph Gorsuch

James Ralph “Jim” Gorsuch, 91, died Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at his home in Hildebran, NC. Jim was born on May 29, 1932, in Lancaster, MA to Ralph Winslow Gorsuch and Catherine Theresa McNamara. He graduated from Gray High School in Winston-Salem in 1949 and entered the U.S. Navy. Shortly after his discharge he married Janice Sue Harris and remained devoted to the love of his life until her death in January 2017. They had three children: Jeffery (Brenda) Gorsuch of Mills River, NC; Jenny (Charles) Martel of Pawleys Island, SC; and June (William) Smith of Clover, SC.

Jim retired from IBM in 1987 as a senior systems engineer after a distinguished career of more than 30 years. He then embarked on a second career with the Icard Township Water Corporation where he served as a director for more than 50 years, including many years as president of the corporation.

Jim devoted much of his time and energy to Penelope Baptist Church in Long View, serving the congregation in numerous capacities, including chair of deacons. He also served on the Hildebran town council and participated for many years with the Hildebran Optimist Club.

Other survivors include seven grandchildren: Elizabeth (Tim) Davis of Creedmoor, NC; Jimmy (Megan) Parker of Pawleys Island, SC; Rene (Ian) Canalis of Bogart, GA; Katie (Chris) Nordquist of Candler, NC; Rachel (Eric) Hydrick of Mebane, NC; Jamie (Molly) Gorsuch of Hendersonville, NC; and Thomas Wilson of Boulder, CO. He is also survived by his second wife, Rebecca Gayle Gorsuch; sister, Lila Vestal, of Kernersville, NC; and 12 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Julie Torrey.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, March 18, in the chapel at Hickory Funeral Home, 1031 11th Ave. Blvd. SE, Hickory, NC. The family will receive friends an hour before the service. The Rev. Aubrey Folk and the Rev. Robert Setzer will officiate. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, 204 Idol St. , Thomasville, NC 27360, a charity deeply loved by both Jim and Jan.