James Jim Dowling Hargrove

Mr. James Jim Dowling Hargrove, 86, died at home on Friday, February 18, 2011. Born in Sampson County on July 16, 1924, he was the son of the late Thomas Henry and Charlotte Ganelle Nellie Gregory Hargrove. Surviving are his beloved wife of 51 years, Shirley Darden Hargrove; sons Gregory Dewey Hargrove; James Jimmy Thomas Hargrove and wife Patricia Patty Waters Hargrove; and Mark Nicholas Hargrove and wife Tracy Yarbrough Hargrove. He was also blessed with five grandsons, James Thomas Hargrove, Patrick Waters Hargrove, Christian Stephen Hargrove, Nicholas Charles Hargrove, and Matthew Taylor Hargrove, all of whom cherished their relationship with Papa. In addition to the immediate family, Jim is survived by his brother, George Matthew Hargrove; sister Helen Jean Ellis and her husband, Emory; sister Margaret Maggie Ruth Logan and her husband, Mike; brother Lawrence William Hargrove and his wife, Edna; sister Martha Ganelle Cook and her husband, Harold; and a sister-in-law, Ola Marcelle Darden Daughtry, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas Patrick Hargrove, Robert Nicholas Hargrove, and Lucian Gregory Hargrove; and one sister, Mary Agnes Puryear. Jim entered the United States Marine Corp on August 19, 1944 and served during World War II and the Korean War Conflict He rose to the rank of Sergeant and served as a drill sergeant at Parris Island, South Carolina. He then joined Wachovia Bank in Wilmington, where he rose to Senior Vice-President. He retired from the bank in 1987 after 34 years of service, but he always retained his love and regard for the institution that remains Wachovia. Jim was a founding member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Wilmington where he served on the Finance Committee and as an usher for many years. Jim never met a stranger and was known for his quick sense of humor. His love of hunting and fishing was shared with countless friends and family members. Above all, Jim loved his family. The Hargrove traditions and celebrations, both fun and frequent, provide lasting and treasured memories. To offer respects and to honor a beautiful life, the family will receive visitors and friends from six to eight p.m. on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Valley Chapel, 4108 South College Road, Wilmington. There will be a Funeral Mass on Monday, February 21 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Road, to which all are welcome. Following the Mass, the family will greet friends in the Parish Hall. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice caretakers who so tenderly guided them through Jim's illness. Special appreciation is extended to Mr. Dwayne Lacewell for his love and compassion over the past three years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Drive, Wilmington or St. Mark Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Road in Wilmington.