Rev. James A Whitworth left this world for his heavenly reward on Wednesday, February 15, 2017.

As a Marine in WWII, James was wounded in action in the Pacific theater and received the Purple Heart. He attended Gardner Webb College and Limestone College. For 50 years James served his Lord as a Baptist minister throughout North Carolina and Virginia. He served Brunswick County at Supply Baptist Church as pastor and served throughout the county at various churches until the age of 90. His ministry included West Franklin Baptist, Ozark Baptist, and Oakland Baptist in Gaston County North Carolina. James also served Dublin Baptist in Dublin, Virginia for 10 years. Traveling the US and a visit to the Holy Land were highlights for them. Along with being a minister, James was a master carpenter, beekeeper, gardener, and fisherman.

James was predeceased by his parents Robert V. Whitworth and L. May Walters Whitworth of Gastonia, NC; brothers Clayton Whitworth, Clarence Whitworth, Bob Whitworth, Joe Whitworth; Sisters, Martha McLamb, Helene Whitworth Rachel Long

Surviving is his loving wife of 74 years, Ruth of Sunset Harbor; sons, Roger Whitworth (Bitsy) of Green Cove Springs FL, Michael Whitworth (Rebecca) of St. Cloud, FL; Daughters, Wanda Ward (Jackie) of Dublin VA, Linda Richardson (Don) of Southport, NC, Jane Hall (Jack) of Kure Beach, NC; sisters, Virginia Border, Lina Willard, MaryAnn Ailstock; grandchildren, Melissa Carpenter, Laura Richardson, Tshenea Royalty, Jeremy Whitworth, Chris Whitworth, Marcia Bouquet, Elisha Hall; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great great-grandchild

A funeral service will be held Sunday February 19, 2017 in First Baptist Church of Sunset Harbor at 3pm. Visitation will be 1 hour prior. Interment will be in Brunswick Memorial Gardens following the service.

In lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation may be made to the First Baptist Church of Sunset Harbor, 3867 Sunset Harbor Road, SE, Bolivia, NC 28422