Jim Sugg

1931 - 2018

Jim Sugg

Cary

On Saturday, May 26th, North Carolina lost a native son, James Russell Sugg. His early farm life and hard working Craven County upbringing were a significant part of the person he would become: A lawyer with a deep sense of justice, serving as county attorney for Craven County for nearly four decades; and the husband of 54 years to Jane Brinkley Sugg who together raised four sons in the place Jim always called home, New Bern, NC.

A Captain in the U.S. Marines, and one who had a lifelong interest in American history, Jim was fittingly born on July 4, 1931, the son of Wendell Davis and Natalie Joyner Sugg in Snow Hill, NC. His family moved to a tobacco farm in the Beech Grove community of Craven County when he was young. Beech Grove Methodist Church was the center of their community life, and his experience there was foundational to his life of faith. Upon graduation from Jasper School in 1948, it was that congregation who collected tuition money for Jim's first semester at Louisburg College. Their minister drove the 16-year-old to campus that fall.

After graduation from Louisburg College, Jim moved to High Point College where he graduated with a B.A. in 1952. From 1953 to 1956, he served as a Marine along the new post-war division at the 38th parallel. Jim returned to North Carolina and entered Wake Forest University School of Law, remaining in the Marine Corps Reserve during his law school years. While in Winston-Salem, he met and married Daisy Jane Brinkley of Thomasville, NC. He earned his doctor of laws in 1959, and he and Jane moved to New Bern, where Jim began to practice law and they started a family. After practicing for several years at Barden, Stith, McCotter, and Sugg, Jim joined Raymond Sumrell and Fred Carmichael in 1972 to form what is now Sumrell, Sugg, Carmichael, Hicks & Hart, P.A. He served one or more eastern North Carolina counties for a record 38 years as county attorney, including 35 for Craven County. An early founder and president of the N.C. Association of County Attorneys, Jim retired from practicing law after 50 years in 2009.

Jim was always very involved in his community. An active member of Garber United Methodist Church since its founding, he taught Sunday school for nearly 40 years as a part of the Dillman Class. He served his state as a legislator in the N.C. General Assembly in the late 1960s, and from 1972 to 1976, he served as Chairman of the N.C. Democratic Party. Jim was a 32nd degree Mason and active member of the Sons of the American Revolution, N.C. Chapter. In 2008, he was recognized for his significant service to North Carolina when he was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

In 1993, after raising their children in the Trent Woods home they built, Jane and Jim purchased the 18th century Palmer-Tisdale-Jones House in downtown New Bern. Once there, they became more involved in the New Bern Historical Society and Tryon Palace, and they often opened their historic home for events. These were fun years for them when their circle of friends grew. On most any cold day a wood fire could be found burning, their dog Daisy asleep in front of the warmth, and a neighbor knocking. These rituals were a source of comfort and pleasure to both he and Jane.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Jane in 2012. He is survived by four sons and their spouses: James Russell Sugg, Jr, his wife, Elizabeth, and their children, James and Evie, of Pinehurst; John Brinkley Sugg and his husband, Frank Cotton, of Raleigh; Samuel Johnston Sugg, his wife, Laurie, and daughter, Catherine, of Raleigh; and Andrew Myers Sugg and his husband, Patrick Wooten, of Durham. Jim was also predeceased by brothers William Sugg and Thomas Sugg, and a sister, Sarah Sugg Hill. He also is survived by a sister Betty Sugg Meggs of Elizabeth City, and sisters-in-law Rachel Sugg and Lila Sugg of New Bern, as well as by many nieces, nephews, and cousins from both his and Jane's families.

When Jane and Jim moved to Waltonwood Cary in 2011, they moved to a loving and caring community. The family greatly appreciates ReeRee Artis, Surah Grumet, MD, Megan Grady, PA-C, and their teams of devoted caregivers who provided much support over the years. Irma Kieran was a very dear companion to Jim in the last few years, and the family will always be thankful for her friendship to him.

A memorial service will be held at Garber United Methodist Church in New Bern at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, June 7, 2018, with a lunch reception for friends and family at New Bern Golf & Country Club following. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed at http://connect2garber.com/connect/streaming

In lieu of flowers, gifts in remembrance of Jim may be made to Garber United Methodist Church, 4201 Country Club Road, New Bern, NC, 28562; New Bern Historical Society, 511 Broad Street, New Bern, NC, 28560; or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be directed to www.pollockbest.com