James Waters, 69, of Shelby, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Testa Family Hospice.
A native of Cherokee County, he was born to the late Clyde Lee and Dorothy Estelle Caylor Waters.
He was an auto body repair technician for Shelby Body Shop for 23 years, Hardin’s Body Shop for five years and Richies Body Shop for 11 years.
He served two years active duty in the United States Army and was a member of the 505th Engineering Battalion of the National Guard for 15 years.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved his mountain home, which he built by his own two hands. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, NASCAR and old western movies.
He was a member of Pleasant City Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Heather Dawn Waters; sister, Marsha Kay Waters Tuttle; and brother-in-law, Mark Tuttle.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Jane Tatham Waters, of the home; son, Kevin Waters of Kings Mountain; brother, David Mitchell Waters of Murphy; and grandson, Brady Reed Waters.
A funeral service was held Saturday, April 6, in the chapel of Clay-Barnette Funeral Home in Shelby. The family received friends from 1:30-3 prior to the service at the funeral home. The Revs. Bryan Glisson, Jerry Tatham and Rafus Camp officiated.
Burial followed at Sunset Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers were fellow members of his National Guard Company.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cleveland, 951 Wendover Heights, Shelby, NC 28152.
Arrangements were entrusted to Clay-Barnette Funerals, Cremations, & Aquamation Center in Shelby.
Online condolences may be made at www.claybarnette.com.