James Charles Haynes

He was born in Bessemer, Alabama on January 31, 1926 to Cora and Ezra Haynes. James received his BA from the University of Florida, graduating in 1949 with high honors. He joined the US Navy in 1943 at the age of 17 and served as an aviation machinist mate, receiving an honorable discharge in 1945.

Jim married Edith Norman on July 9, 1945 in Deland, Florida. They were married for 56 years until her passing in 2002. He joined Allied Stores in 1949 as an accountant and became their head systems analyst before leaving in 1968. He then joined Belk Store Services, where he worked for 23 years before retiring in 1991.

He was a member of Melody Makers, and a longtime member of Eastway Christian and other Christian churches. His passions included family reunions, golf, fishing, snorkeling; ballroom, line, and square dancing groups, as well as other church and charity-related activities.

He is survived by daughter Karen and sons Alan, Charles, Nelson, and Steven, 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as longtime friend and companion Jewell Green.

He was preceded by his sister, Marguerite, and two brothers, Alfred, and Ezra Jr.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at McEwen Funeral Service in Mint Hill. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 4 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Matthews Help Center or to a charity of choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.