Jim Eaton, Sr.

James Rawlings Eaton Sr went to heaven on 11/26/2023.

Jim was a remarkable human being.  His legacy is not so much in his achievements, which were considerable, but in his character.  First of all, Jim lived a long life. He was born in 1927...dating him as a genuine member of the Greatest Generation.  An Arkansan by birth, born in Forrest City, he moved along with his family during the Great Depression to various places to find work and shelter, finally settling down in Memphis, Tn. where he lived his formative years with his mother Mabel and his beloved older brother Jack until the great event that would change the lives of everyone in that generation, namely World War II.  Like so many teenagers of that time Jim followed in the footsteps of his brother Jack who had answered the call of duty two years earlier and enlisted in the United States Navy on his 17th birthday. Though he never saw combat in those closing months of the war, Jim served with distinction until the war’s end.  Returning to Memphis after the war, Jim sought employment and was engaged in numerous capacities until finding what would become his lifelong career as a Salesman in the Trucking industry where he would go up the ladder over the years to achieve ever increasing responsibility and recognition. Jim would eventually join Carolina Freight as Vice President Sales and Marketing and move to Cherryville, NC where he lived the last 48 years of his life. In Cherryville Jim and his beloved wife Helen enjoyed a close-knit community and made many dear friends, many of whom were his fellow saints at 1st Methodist Church.  His long retirement years were filled by travel, golf, reading, fishing, and enjoying his family. But by far the single most important event in his life, apart from his conversion to Jesus Christ, was capturing the heart of Helen Claire Humphreys who would remain his constant companion and wife for 69 years.  Jim and Helen raised three children together:  Janet Eaton Lynn (husband Steve) of Cherryville, NC; James (Jr) (wife Cindi) of Roanoke, Va. and John (wife Teresa) of Bristol, TN. His wonderful friend, wife, and soul mate, Helen, preceded him in death in 2015.

Much more could be said about Jim than this space allows. But his obituary would not be complete without mentioning what was the most remarkable thing about him, which was his character as a husband, father, and friend.  Jim was a seeker all his life. His journey of discovery took him down many trails. He was a prolific reader and amassed a sizeable library.  He read on every genre of subject matter from history, philosophy, politics to religion. Every book on his shelf is highlighted throughout from beginning to end with his notes and sentiments on the page. Yet Jim never considered himself to be a scholar. He did not think it necessary to flaunt his knowledge and he was always self-conscious about his lack of credentials, i.e., college degrees. Nonetheless, Jim’s commitment to seek knowledge was a lifetime pursuit. His seeking for Truth would inevitably lead him to Jesus Christ, whom he trusted and placed his faith in until his union with Him in Glory.  Jim, first and foremost, saw himself as a sinner saved by the Grace of God.  He strived to live a life of repentance and obedience to his Lord, knowing full well his own short comings and faults.  His most incredible gift was forgiveness, followed by a charitable heart.  Jim never held a grudge and even when personally insulted or rebuked for one thing or another, quickly forgave his accuser.  His children will testify to this remarkable gift of forgiveness and confess eternal gratitude for it!!  Jim’s seeking has now ended. He is at rest and in the company of his Savior for eternity.  We who knew him are forever thankful for the gift of Jim. He was indeed a remarkable man.

Besides his three children mentioned above, Jim leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Heather Woody (husband Mark) of Dallas, NC; Holly Hill (husband Dustin) of Lincolnton NC; Conor Eaton (wife Julieta) of Pinedale, WY; Caitlin McCormick (husband Seth) of Roanoke, VA; Matt Morton of Bristol, VA; Zack Morton of Bristol, VA; and Allye Workman (husband Travis) of Denver, CO.  An eighth grandchild, Molly Eaton, preceded Jim in death and greets him along with wife Helen in Paradise. Jim also leaves behind 7 great- grandchildren.

His family will receive friends from 12:30pm to 1:30pm Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Carpenter-Porter Funeral and Cremation Services.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00pm Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Cherryville City Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Zack Christy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests you to honor Jim by giving a donation to those in need. Donations may be made to either Carolina Caring  Palliative and Hospice at www.carolinacaring.org, or donor’s choice.