James Cooley

James Charles Cooley FRANKLIN - James Charles Cooley, 75, died Sept. 27, 2008. A native of Mississippi and resident of Franklin since 1959, he was the only child of the late James Lemuel Jr. and Frances Linam Cooley. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, in the Franklin Presbyterian Church in Franklin. The family will receive friends immediately afterwards in the fellowship hall. Jim graduated from Georgia Tech University in 1956 with a degree in industrial engineering. Thereafter, he served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant in 1959. He spent the remainder of his life in Franklin and he retired from International Paper Inc. after 37 years of service. Jim was a devoted member of the Franklin Presbyterian Church and faithfully served in many capacities over the years. He loved singing in the choir with his fellow members and had a beautiful tenor voice. He was also an avid golfer. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Melanie Cooley Gayle and husband Ben of Southern Pines and two granddaughters, Paige Elise Patton and Bonnie Kate Patton. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, June Smith Cooley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Franklin Presbyterian Church, 405 Lee St., Franklin, VA 23851. Family assisted by Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.