James Michael Naughton, 78, of Sunset Beach, N.C., passed away suddenly on January 28, 2021.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on July 4, 1942 to James J. Naughton and Louise S. Naughton.  Raised in Brooklyn and Valley Stream, N.Y, Jim attended St. Agnes High School.  He was a popular student and three-sport athlete.  Excelling in football, Jim earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina.

At Chapel Hill, he met his future wife, Elizabeth F. Carlisle.  They soon married and began raising a family.  Jim was a letterman on the Tar Heels’ 1963 ACC champion team that won the Gator Bowl.  Despite his football career being cut short by injury, Jim still received a letter of interest from the Dallas Cowboys after his senior year.  He graduated in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in history.

In 1968, Jim relocated his family to Coram, N.Y. to pursue his lifelong ambition of becoming a tug boat captain and docking pilot.  He accepted a position with Moran Towing & Transportation Co.  He trained at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.  He quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to Captain in 1972.  He was passionate about his work safely guiding barges, tankers, cruise ships, and naval vessels into New York Harbor.

After moving to Buckingham, Pa. in 1973, Jim co-founded Metropolitan Pilots Association and served as its President until his retirement.  Fulfilling a promise to his wife, the couple retired to Sunset Beach, N.C. in 2000.  There they welcomed seven grandchildren and enjoyed frequent visits from family and friends.

Jim was a devoted husband, beloved father, doting grandfather, and friend to all.  He was diehard fan of the UNC Tar Heels, New York Giants, and Brooklyn Dodgers.  He was an avid book reader and traveler.  Jim and Elizabeth enjoyed cruises and traveled through the Panama Canal and ports throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 55 years.  He is survived by his sister, Kathleen N. Sullivan (husband Peter and their six children) of Neptune, N.J.; his son James M.Naughton. Jr., (wife Janet, daughter Olivia) of Alexandria, Va.; son John P. Naughton (wife Natalie, daughters Anna, Meredith, and Claire) of Green Sea, S.C.; daughter Elizabeth N. McIlwain (husband Robert, daughter Michelle) of Wake Forest, N.C.; daughter Jennifer N. McCreary (husband Terence, son John, daughter Emily) of Furlong, Pa.; and son Christopher C. Naughton (wife Amy) of LaGrange, Ga.

Due to state ordered Covid-19 restrictions, no visitation will be held and the interment will be private with attendance limited to immediate family members.  A celebration of Jim’s life will be announced at a future date once restrictions are lifted.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Jim’s name to: The Rams Club [P.O. Box 2446, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27515, (919) 843-2000].