James Walter Colley

Born in Catawba County, he was the son of the late Tilman Colley and Julia Belle Maples. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Richard Colley; sisters, Cricket Price and Dean Colley Evans.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Debbie Reinhardt and husband Kevin of Vale, NC, Cindy Noble and husband Bill of Claremont, Nikki Myers and husband Rich of Monroe; brother Donald; sister Barbara Pressley; grandchildren, Kitrina Thompson and husband Brad, Michele Kincaid and husband Cody, Megan Pair, Serenity Noble, Jesse Noble, Abigail Myers, Sophie Myers; great-grandchildren Finley Thompson, Kenna Kincaid.

James faithfully served his nation for 22 years in the US Navy, which included conflict in Vietnam, achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. While in the Navy, he was able to see much of the world and made some of his most treasured friendships.

After retiring from the US Navy, he returned to the Hickory area where he, his wife and family lived. He built his dream home, worked and retired from Technibilt Industries and spent his summer vacations anywhere but the beach.

He had a huge love for his wife Catherine, his family, his grandkids, holidays, breakfast and coffee. His greatest joy was taking his grandchildren on vacations across the United States, as long as it didn’t include the water.

After becoming a Christian later in life, his desire was to see his family, friends and all to have that same relationship with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He served at Reepsville Baptist Church as a deacon, care leader and Sunday School teacher until the decline of his health.

A funeral service will held at 11am on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Reepsville Baptist Church in Vale N.C. with Rev. Todd Royal and Rev. Jeff Hull officiating. Interment will take place in the church cemetery following the service.

The family will receive friends on Monday November 13, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Drum Funeral Home in Conover.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in remembrance of James may be made to Reepsville Baptist Church 1513 Alf Hoover Rd., Vale, NC 28168-7788 or to the Veterans of Foreign War of the US, 406 W 34th St. Kansas City, MO 64111.