Jim graduated from Needham Broughton High School, UNC Chapel Hill - Bachelor Degree, East Carolina University - Masters and Syracuse University - PhD. Jim was an English instructor at ECU, Maryland, UNC, and Syracuse University. He also worked for the State of North Carolina as a Disabilities Specialist and the Office of Information Technology at UNC. Prior to retirement, he taught online English classes for UNC.
For over 16 years, Jim was a dedicated member of the Kadampa Center for the Practice of Tibetan Buddhism. He was well read and incredibly interested in all culture - the arts, old films, comics, history, philosophy and poetry. He was a man of ideas and diverse interests, including sports and the Tar Heels. He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially dogs, birds, cats and his backyard squirrels. His compassion and generosity for others was exhibited throughout his life.
Jim is remembered by his sister: Rita Barnes Edwards and husband Bruce, of Asheboro; his nephew and niece: Brad and Amy Wilkinson and their son, Cooper and Wendy and Rob Falkowski; and by several cousins, extended family and numerous close friends.
A Memorial Gathering and Reception to Celebrate Jim's Life will be held on Saturday, March 17th from 4-6 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home (7209 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh). A Prayer Service will follow at 7 pm at the Kadampa Center (5412 Etta Burke Court in Raleigh).
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Red Cross and the SPCA of Wake County would be preferred in his memory.
