James "Jimmy" Lee Honeycutt

He was a man who truly never met a stranger. He loved people, loved children, and had a genuine gift for making everyone he encountered feel welcome. Whenever he met someone, he would take the time to learn about them; their family, their lives, and their interests. And before the conversation was over, there was a good chance he had made a friend and asked, “Where do you go to church?” If they did not have a church home, he would warmly invite them to attend Cornerstone Baptist Church.

His faith and service to God were an important part of his life. He was a devoted member of Cornerstone Baptist Church on Albemarle Road, where he received his Certificate of Deacon Ordination on September 26, 1993. Over the years, he faithfully served as the Head of Ushers and the Ordination Committee. His commitment to his church and to serving others was a reflection of the love and faith he carried throughout his life.

He was also a proud United States Army veteran. He entered the Army on January 30, 1967, and attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5). He served his country in Vietnam, where he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart on March 17, 1968. His courage, sacrifice, and dedication to his country were a testament to the strength of his character.

After returning home from Vietnam, he demonstrated the same determination and work ethic that defined so much of his life. He worked a full-time job, held a part-time job, and attended school full-time. Through hard work and perseverance, he built a successful career with the City of Charlotte, where he worked as an Operations Analyst and was supervisor of the city’s mainframe computer system. After 32 years Jimmy retired and then worked for Byers Engineering for more than 10 years.

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down. He continued to give his time and talents to others. He volunteered and worked with Operation Christmas Child and worked with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. He believed in staying active, helping others, and being a part of his community.

He also had a love for working with his hands and spending time in his shop outdoors. He loved fixing old lawnmowers, fixing them up, and bringing them back to life. He especially enjoyed spending time outside in his shop, working on his projects and helping others with any repairs they needed.

Above all, he was a family man and a people person. His kindness, humor, generosity, faith, determination, and willingness to help others touched countless lives. He had a way of making people feel like they had known him for years, even if they had just met him. His presence brought joy to those around him, and his absence will be deeply felt by his family, church family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Sally; his daughter, Shea Mumford; his son-in-law, Wayne Mumford; his precious granddaughter, Jessie; his sister, Kay Adams; and a host of extended family members, church family, friends, and loved ones. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his service to God and country, his love for his family, his dedication to his community, and his extraordinary ability to never meet a stranger.

He will be missed by so many, but his legacy of faith, love, service, and kindness will live on in all those whose lives he touched.