Rev. James C. Singleton

James Cooper "Jim" Singleton, 94, of Greensboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026. A native of Pell City, Alabama, Jim was born on June 11, 1932, to the late Roy and Devera Singleton.

Jim completed his Master of Divinity at Duke University and served as a chaplain in the United States Army and the Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Colonel. His military assignments included Fort Gordon, Georgia; Vicenza, Italy; and Fort Campbell, Kentucky. As an ordained United Methodist minister, he served congregations throughout the Western North Carolina Conference including appointments at Shady Grove (Wallburg), Sandy Ridge (Greensboro), Fairfield (High Point), Mount Lebanon (Randleman), and several others.

Conversation came easily to Jim, and he was rarely at a loss for a story or joke. Whether he was visiting church members, talking with a stranger in the checkout line, or sitting around a bridge table, Jim enjoyed people. It was one of the reasons ministry suited him so well. Counseling and encouraging soldiers or congregants as they navigated life's challenges was his true calling.

To his family, Jim was a husband, father, grandfather, and the family's self-appointed safety officer, making sure no one was ever in harm's way. His grandchildren knew that going barefoot was out of the question, and if things got a little too loud or chaotic, Papa Jim would quickly declare there was "too much confusion." While they sometimes rolled their eyes, they always knew he was watching out for them.

He enjoyed old movies, playing tennis, roast beef, and a good game of cards, but more than anything, he loved his wife, Barbara Day Singleton. They married on July 18, 1954 and spent 72 years together.

In addition to Barbara, Jim is survived by his son, Robert “Bobby” Singleton and wife, Holli, of Greensboro; grandchildren Clark Singleton of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Ryan Kurtiak of Smyrna, Georgia, and Anna Singleton of Greensboro. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, William "Bill" Singleton, and his sister-in-law, Betty Singleton.

Please join the family for a graveside service on Wednesday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 West Gate City Boulevard, Greensboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks with gratitude that memorials in Jim’s name be made to Triad Pregnancy Care, 1852 Banking Street, #9202, Greensboro, NC 27408.

Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield Chapel is honored to serve the Singleton family.