He was born on September 18, 1932 to the late Robert Cohen Waters and Laura Turner Waters in Cleveland County. James was a United States Navy Veteran, who served his country proud aboard the USS Wasp CV-18 and in the Korean War. He was a man that was humble, kind, strong, and loving. Family was very important to him and his love for them grew stronger each day. He was a man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need and a protector. James was a member of Highland United Methodist Church and The Methodist Men. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother who will be dearly missed.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Carolyn Waters; four sisters; and one brother.
Survivors include his daughter; Dawn McGilvery and husband Daniel of Riviera Beach, FL; sons, James “Jimmy” Dean Waters of Hickory, Jonathan Waters and wife Jennifer of Hickory; grandson, Joshua Chandler Waters; granddaughters, Jenna Caroline Waters, Jacey Camryn Waters; four brothers; two sisters; two sister-in-laws; one brother in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Catawba Memorial Park Mausoleum. Military Honors will be provided by the Amvets Post 76.
Memorials may be made to the Irrevocable Supplemental Needs Trust for James Dean Waters, c/o Jonathan Waters, 5056 Woodwinds Dive NE, Hickory, NC 28601 or Highland United Methodist Church, 1020 12th St. Pl. NE, Hickory, NC 28601.
