James McKay

James Ermon McKay, lovingly known as "Jim," passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina at the age of 77. Born in Childersburg, Alabama, Jim lived a life marked by kindness, integrity, quiet strength, and a deep love for his family and passions. Throughout his life, Jim carried with him the values instilled during his upbringing in Alabama: humility, warmth, and an enduring sense of hospitality. A true southern gentleman at heart, Jim was known for his gentle demeanor and unwavering devotion to those he held dear.

Jim graduated from Childersburg High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alabama. His professional journey was distinguished by his work as a Chemical Design Process Engineer with Union Carbide and later as an Environmental Engineer with the North Carolina Division of Water Resources. His contributions to these fields reflected his meticulous nature and commitment to excellence.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim found solace in nature. Jim enjoyed camping and fishing along serene lakes and trout streams, especially with his son, Paul. He had a keen eye for photography, capturing moments that reflected his appreciation for the beauty around him. Music was another passion; he especially enjoyed classical and jazz genres and played the sousaphone in his high school marching band. A voracious reader and skilled griller, Jim embraced life's simple pleasures with enthusiasm.

Jim was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with loved ones. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances McKay of 31 years; his daughter, Beth Caudle (George); grandchildren Aaron (Bo) Caudle and Avery Caudle; stepdaughter Jeannette Low; stepson Bob Low (Abbey); step-granddaughters,
Ava Low and Alaina Low; sister-in-law, Vicky McKay; nieces, Tara Bond; Leita Harden; Rachel McKay; nephew, James McKay. He was predeceased by his son, James Paul McKay; parents James Knox McKay and Mary Elizabeth Jackson McKay; and brothers Philip McKay and Michael (Mike) McKay.

A true Southern gentleman known for his quiet kindness and thoughtfulness, Jim attended First Methodist Church of Childersburg during his youth and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America—an early testament to his character.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 20, 2026 at 10:30AM at Abbotswood at Stonehenge, 7900 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh North Carolina, in the Multipurpose Room on the 2nd floor.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA, 22203 or to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2100 Noble Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27608.