James Asbury Mundy

1937 - 2018

Mr. James Asbury Mundy, age 81 of Denver, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2018.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in the Christian Life Center of Salem United Methodist Church in Denver with Rev. David Greene officiating. The family invites friends to join them for a reception immediately following the memorial service in the Christian Life Center. Burial will be private.

Jim Mundy was born July 9, 1937, in Gaston County to the late Julius Asbury and Mary Sherrill Mundy. Jim was an educator in the public school system for more than 35 years before retiring.

As the beloved principal at Rock Springs Elementary in Denver from 1972-92, Jim positively affected thousands of young people (and remembered the names of every single one of them). The track at Rock Springs is named for him.

A devoted and faithful Christian, Jim was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church for decades. He served as president of the Methodist Men, chairman of the building committee and teacher of the Crusaders Sunday School class for many years. He was also a member of the Lincoln Bank Board of Directors, the Rotary Club, the First Charter Advisory Board and the Lincoln County Hospital Board of Directors.

An avid golfer and gardener, he enjoyed managing the Catawba Springs Hunt Club in retirement. Among his greatest joys were attending his grandchildren's athletic events and watching UNC basketball and football games.

In his younger years, Jim was a standout athlete at Rock Springs High. In 1953, as a high school sophomore, he knocked in the winning run in the bottom of the 13th inning to win the state championship in baseball. He would later be named to the Lincoln County Sports Hall of Fame for his fine work as an athlete and educator.

Jim graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College and then received a Masters degree from Appalachian State. He was named Principal of the year in 1981 and established the "Writing to Read" program in the Lincoln County school system. He was also named outstanding educator for district IV of the state PTA in 1982.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Frances Stroupe Mundy of the home; four daughters, Andrea Robinson of Denver, Lori Rapp of Denver, Elise Fowler and husband Scott of Denver and Kristin Cathey and husband Chip of Lincolnton; one sister, Merriel Lawing of Hickory; eleven grandchildren, Ellis Robinson, Jason Robinson, Brittany Phillips, Chapel Fowler, Davis Rapp, Jackson Cathey, Salem Fowler, Banks Cathey, London Fowler, Sawyer Cathey and Georgia Fowler; two great-grandchildren, Ronnie Giles and Gunner Robinson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 378 N. Pilot Knob Road, Denver, NC 28037.

Warlick Funeral Home is serving the Mundy family.