Jim was an engineer for Bell Atlantic in West Virginia for 42 years. Retiring at age 60, he and his wife, Madeline, fulfilled their life-long dream of building a house on the Melton farm, his birthplace in Poca, WV. Children and grandchildren eventually sent them to North Carolina, where he continued his love for God, family, piano, gardening, watercolor painting, fly-tying, fishing, and cycling. Jim led by example and was a pleasure to everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his son Dave Melton and wife Jean of Sugar Grove, PA; daughter Helena Mazzella and husband Mike of Holly Springs; daughter Tara Melton-Miller and husband Jim of Holly Springs; granddaughter Lauren of Durham; grandsons Evan of Sugar Grove, PA; Tony and wife Amy of Morrisville; Ryan and wife Heather of Raleigh; and great-granddaughters Liana and Marisa of Raleigh.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Madeline, and his two brothers, Jack and Donnie Melton.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at 7 p.m. Visitation starts at 6:00 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home ( 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511).
Memorial contributions can be made to Transitions LifeCare, Hospice of Wake County.