James "Jimmy" Craig Kuykendall Sr.

James “Jimmy” Craig Kuykendall Sr., 72, of Charlotte NC passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Atrium Health surrounded by his family. He is now reunited with his son Craig in heaven who he missed dearly.

Born January 24, 1953 in Tryon, NC son of the late Robert M. and Alice W. Kuykendall, later moving to Charlotte NC, where he grew up attending Wilson Middle and West Mecklenburg High School. He met the love of his life Karen Spivey. They married in 1970. Jimmy enlisted in the U.S Navy. He spent time stationed in Key West, FL and Norfolk, VA where he served on the USS Talbot as a Sonar Technician. After serving 3yrs, he was honorably discharged. During this time they had two wonderful children Craig and Wanda. He later attended CPCC for the Mechanical Engineering Program. He was a proud veteran and member of the American Legion.

Jimmy worked selling trucks at Allison Used Truck Sales for several years. He and wife, Karen later opened their family business Oakdale Auto Sales. He expanded to unfitting trucks, towing, and equipment delivery. Jimmy enjoyed having his wife Karen and children working with him. His grandchildren loved to hang out at the shop with their “Grandpa” riding in the rollback, delivering vehicles, or just sitting around talking about the good ole days. As the grandchildren became older they too joined the family business.

Jimmy was the kind of man who didn’t meet a stranger and always had a smile to share with others. He was always ready to show up and help someone in need. His family was his pride and joy, and he loved them BIG. He looked forward to family trips to the mountains and the beach. He enjoyed going fishing with his son and his grandchildren. He loved to read books and then pass them along to someone else to enjoy. He loved planting a garden with his wife each year and couldn’t wait to share their tomatoes. Working out in the yard or just piddling around fixing things gave him great joy. He loved listening to music, dancing, and telling jokes. One of his favorite things was sitting on his back porch with his wife, a cup of coffee, and his dog Max.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Wanda McGinnis (David); daughter-in-law, Donna Kuykendall; grandchildren, Brandon Kuykendall (Tabby), Caitlyn Kuykendall (Nick), Caden Kuykendall, Valerie McGinnis (Seth), Summer McGinnis (Eli), great-granddaughter, Sage Irene Kuykendall; brothers Randy Kuykendall (Debbie), Charles Kuykendall, (Dena); sister Melinda B Kuykendall, numerous family and friends all who he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his son; James “Craig” Kuykendall, parents; Robert M. & Alice W. Kuykendall, brother; John V. Kuykendall

The family will receive friends on Thursday, the 16th of October, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at McEwen Funeral Service at Forest Lawn West, 4601 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208. The Funeral service will follow in the Chapel at 12:00 Noon. Burial with Navy Military Honors will follow at Forest Lawn West Cemetery.