Wilbur James Stoddard

Predeceased by his parents George Stoddard and Dorothy Burdick Stoddard and his sister Helen E. Miele, Jim was born on January 26, 1943 and he is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Mary Sullivan Stoddard.

Jim grew up in Nyack, NY, joined the Navy at 17 and was assigned to the destroyer USS Eugene A. Greene. He completed his service honorably and surprisingly without a tattoo.

A graduate of Pace University, Jim ultimately became VP of Marketing at Duro-Test Corporation. Prior to retiring to Southport, NC in 2005, Jim and Mary lived in Allendale, New Jersey.

Jim’s “retirement” was very active. He created many craft items and displayed them at “Duck, Duck, Goose” and the local Farmer’s Market.

Jim loved fishing and boating on the Intracoastal Waterway and the Coast Guard Auxiliary on Oak Island was his passion. His childhood years of “cruising” the Hudson River in a small rowboat with a somewhat reliable engine, along with his more experienced time in the Navy led to Jim’s favorite occupation: standing watch at the US Coast Guard Station on Oak Island and conducting patrols on the Cape Fear River and the ICW.

Jim leaves behind a fleet of friends and a stadium of relatives: brothers-in-law James Miele Sr., John Sullivan and wife Cordy, Mark Sullivan; sisters-in-law Margaret Sullivan, Anne Sullivan, and Katherine Schulz and husband Smokey; nieces Kathleen M. Graziano, Caitlin Sullivan Kummer and husband Pete, Lara Sullivan, Elizabeth Mann and husband Bill, Sarah DeWitt and husband Jordan; nephews James Miele Jr. and wife Lucy, Michael Sullivan and wife Sidsel, Matthew Sullivan, Paul Sullivan and wife Stephanie, Patrick Sullivan and wife Jessica, Brian Sullivan and wife Lauren, David Schulz, Robert Schulz and wife Dana, Christopher Schulz, Daniel Sullivan and David Sullivan; many grand-nieces, grand-nephews and of course his favorite furry friend, Benson.

Jim left this world with happy memories of a good life. Fair winds and following seas…Jim!

Funeral mass will be held Friday, June 22, 2018 at 12:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. J. Victor Gournas.

More information on funeral arrangements and remembrances can be found at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter, Oak Island, NC are welcome.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, NC.