James Edward Armstrong

Some people measure their lives by what they accomplish. James Edward Armstrong, Jr. measured his by the people he loved, the faith he lived, and the lives he changed. Whether serving faithfully at church, guiding clients with wisdom and unwavering integrity, creating unforgettable memories with his family, or helping those in need, James invested himself wholeheartedly in the people God placed in his life. His greatest success was never measured by professional or intellectual achievement - although he had that in abundance, but by his faithfulness to Christ, his steadfast devotion to his family, and the countless lives made richer because they knew him.

James Edward Armstrong, Jr., 61, entered the presence of his Savior on July 22, 2026.

Born on September 5, 1964, James proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Sonar Technician aboard the USS Valley Forge. He later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina State University and founded Armstrong Wealth Management in 2004, where he served as Managing Executive. Clients respected and loved him not only for his financial expertise, but also for his compassion and genuine concern for others. He regularly offered financial counsel outside of his client base believing his knowledge was a gift from God to be shared.

While James built a successful business, those closest to him knew his true life's work was not found in business but rather in building a godly legacy that would outlive him. He was a devoted husband and father. For twenty-two years, he and his beloved wife, Desiree, built a marriage rooted in faith, love, and adventure. Together they created lasting memories with their children, traveling to all fifty states, exploring the country by RV, and boating on Falls Lake. James believed the greatest investment he could make was his time, and he gave it generously.

His children were the joy of his life, and James was a father who was consistently present and deeply invested in each of them. He wholeheartedly encouraged Morgan’s love for music for many years and sacrificed so much of his time because she loved it. One particular year her concert coincided with speech and debate nationals. Instead of letting her miss the concert, James flew with her from South Carolina back home so that she could perform, and then flew right back to South Carolina twelve hours later so she could give her speech in the morning. That was the kind of father he was. He was always there for Josh at any time of the day. From late night golf games, to even later apologetics help, James always supported him. One occasion where this was evident was in the fact Josh would come into his dads office every night to ask him questions about apologetics cards he was writing for speech, and for six months straight James helped answer 96 apologetics questions, all for Josh.

James always loved spending time with Evie. He was present in every aspect of her life, especially dance. There are many jobs and duties people say are reserved for women… like holding the title of dance mom. But James firmly cemented himself as a proud dance dad. He took her to practice every week, watched her grow up on the stage, and always got her Mexican after every session at dance. All for the sugarbaby.

His love for Jesus Christ shaped every aspect of his life. James served as a faithful deacon at Open Door Baptist Church, oversaw the benevolence ministry, as a volunteer sound engineer, in C12 Christian Business Forums, in disaster relief efforts, and wherever there was a need. He recently earned a Master of Divinity from Regent University and was preparing to begin doctoral studies there. His graduate thesis explored the biblical meaning of hesed—God's faithful, loyal, covenant-keeping love. Those who knew James recognized that hesed was not merely something he studied, but something he lived.

No task was beneath James, and no need went unnoticed. He approached every opportunity with humility, generosity, and competence. Desiree perhaps said it best: "He was everything to everybody."

James is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-two years, Desiree Dianna Armstrong; his cherished children, Morgan Desiree Armstrong (18), Joshua Robert Armstrong (17), and Evangeline Jamie Armstrong (15); his mother, Jeanne G. Stancil; his brother, Matthew Armstrong; and many treasured friends whose lives are forever richer because they knew him. He was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Armstrong, Sr.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Open Door Baptist Church, 9801 Durant Road, Raleigh, NC 27614. Flowers for the family may be sent to Open Door Baptist Church.

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to[a] them,[b]” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” - Jeremiah 31:31-34