James Edward Ross

GRAHAM - James Edward "Jim" Ross, 79, passed away Sunday, Feb. 7, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. He was born July 8, 1936 to Alexander E Ross and Lee Austin Ross. Jim was completely devoted and committed to his family which included his beautiful wife of 57 years, Jean Ross; and his children - son, Eddie Ross and wife April; and daughters, Tanya Ross Judd and Taryn Duncan and husband Brian. He was a loving PawPaw to Nathan, Noah and Mya Ross, Carly and Ross Judd, Corbin, Gavin and Lily Duncan. Jim's career began with Western Electric in 1956, continuing with AT&T until retirement in 1998 and while he accomplished much during his tenure, his best life was lived outside of work. Jim was a member of Glen Hope Baptist Church and served many leadership roles starting as a young adult, including Sunday school Director, Chairman of the Deacons, finance committee, and Sunday school teacher to name a few. His greatest joy in serving at Glen Hope was teaching Sunday school. Earlier in life he led a College and Career class, impacting many young adults for Christ. Jim started and taught his beloved Maranatha class until his death, which is a family not merely Sunday school. Never one to shy from his faith, throughout his life Jim shared the message of Christ to people young and old, at work and play, to salesmen and even the Jehovah's Witnesses who made the mistake of stopping by his house. If you knew him, he probably invited you to church. Jim's deepest passions were his God and his family. The love story of Jim and Jean spanned over 57 years and was a shining example of commitment, dedication and the deepest kind of love. Jim was an exceptional father, active in every part of his children's lives. He was present for their activities, events and was a great teacher of money management, family loyalty, and kindness to others. PawPaw was a great cheerleader and each grandchild's accomplishment made "his heart soar like an eagle." Jim was a man of many talents. He built the family home and the acreage on the property was considered his little piece of the Garden of Eden. Jim loved to drive family, friends, and visitors in the golf cart through the wooded trails behind their home. A self-taught woodworker, he made Windsor chairs and many pieces of beautiful furniture by hand that fill their home. Jim was something special: a unique individual with a larger than life personality. Jim Ross was the best example of a man - possessing integrity, wisdom, kindness, generosity, love for people, unwavering dedication to his family and a steadfast commitment to the Lord. Our loss is deep, but Heaven's gate welcomed him as Jesus said, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." A service will be conducted Thursday Feb. 11th, at 1 p.m. at Glen Hope Baptist Church in Burlington. Officiating will be the Rev. Larry Redding, the Rev. Bob Stephenson, and the Rev. Fred Treadwell. Burial will follow in Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. at McClure Funeral & Cremation Service in Graham on Wednesday, Feb. 10th, and at other times at the residence.