James Matthew Lora

James Matthew Lora, age 80, passed away on November 12, 2023, after a valiant struggle with Parkinson’s. In his final days he was blessed to be surrounded by the people he loved most: his wife, sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, sister, brother and sister-in-law.

Jim was born in New Orleans, LA, to Nuncy Peter Lora and Mary Margaret Fallon Lora. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carolea, on August 7, 1965. Jim graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Years later, he was awarded a masters of architecture from Tulane.

Jim and Carolea had four sons: Steven, Michael, Brian and David. In those early years, Jim built his architectural firm while Carolea focused on raising their four boys. In 1986, Jim, Carolea and the two younger boys moved from New Orleans to Raleigh. While living in Raleigh, Jim worked in several government departments, retiring as the state budget officer for capital projects.

Jim and Carolea adored their five grandchildren: Dominick, Patrick, Scott, Cadence and Aria. The grandchildren brought tremendous joy to Jim, who could often be found seated on the floor playing with them as preschoolers. Later he accompanied Dominick on charity walks, watched Patrick and Scott’s soccer games, attended Cadence’s recitals and cheered for Aria at her equestrian competitions.

As they approached retirement, Jim and Carolea began traveling internationally. They were fortunate to have visited Bali, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Egypt, France, Mexico and Singapore. Within the US, they visited Hawaii and Alaska, many of the national parks and toured the homes of Frank Lloyd Wright.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed woodworking. He built projects like a wooden jungle gym for his young boys, along with fences and decks at several of the family’s homes.

Jim was smart, quiet and funny. He was an accomplished architect and a dedicated public servant, but he lived for his family. He was devoted to his wife of 58 years, supportive of his sons and proud of their accomplishments, and cherished watching his grandchildren grow.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carolea; his sons, Steven, Michael, Brian and David; his daughter-in-law, Laurie; his grandchildren, Dominick, Patrick, Scott, Cadence, and Aria; his sister Mary Elaine; his brother, Matthew; and his sister-in-law, Joan. Jim will be missed by his niece Tania and her family, his nephew Scott and his family, and his many cousins in New Orleans.

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held Monday, November 20, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609.

In lieu of flowers, the Lora Family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org) or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (give.michaeljfox.org) in memory of James Lora.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com.