James Thomas Trotter

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James Trotter Obituary

James Thomas Trotter
James Thomas Trotter of Charlotte died on January 8, 2011 at the age of 96. Tommy was born in Charlotte on April 22, 1914 to Leila and John Scott Trotter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorcas Boyette Trotter, his eldest son, James Thomas Trotter, Jr., his brothers, John Scott Trotter, Jr., Robert Trotter, William Trotter, and sister, Margaret Trotter Kinghorn. He is survived by his sons Edwin Scott Trotter of Pawleys Island, SC and John Boyette Trotter (Jenks) of Georgetown, SC and Charlotte, NC, by seven grandchildren; Logan Trotter (Irene) of Pawleys Island, SC, Marty Trotter Pizzo (Tom), John Scott Trotter (Katie) of Charlotte NC, Kingsley, Bess, Sophie and Henry Trotter of Pawleys Island, SC; great-grandchildren Logan, Claudia and Christian Trotter, Jenks and Vivi Pizzo and Rosie Trotter.
Tommy is also survived by his devoted and adored companion of many years, Lucille Ross who loved him unconditionally and dealt with his failing health with such compassion. Tommy was crazy about 'Ms. Ross' and looked to her for support until the end. She gave him great joy.
Tommy graduated from Central High School and lived his entire life in Charlotte. He took over Boyette Trotter Floor Covering from his father in law and ran it until his retirement at the age of 55. Upon retirement, he began to walk three miles every morning and three miles every afternoon and continued that for almost the next 30 years. He was active in Myers Park Presbyterian Church and Myers Park Country Club, where he was an avid golfer and gin player.
Later in life Tommy began volunteering with Friendship Trays although he was often older than the elderly people where he delivered meals. He enjoyed giving his clients tomatoes from his backyard garden of more than 90 tomato plants. He never met a stranger and could talk to anyone.
He had a library of music tapes that he spent hundreds and hundreds of hours compiling. It was quite the gift to be given some of his music tapes! Before he left his home on Sharon Road, he would spend every evening listening to his music, and tapping his feet. Tommy's brother, John Scott, was the musical director for Bing Crosby for years and his brother, Bobby, was the dean of music at the University of Oregon, so Tommy always felt his love of music was genetic.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church Outreach, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207, or Friendship Trays, 2401-A Distribution Street, Charlotte, NC 28203.
The family wishes to thank all the wonderful employees of Sharon Towers who showed such kindness to Tommy as his health failed.
A visitation will be held at the home of Jenks and John Trotter on Wednesday, January 12th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Burial will be private.

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Published by Charlotte Observer from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for James Trotter

5 Entries

kelly silden

January 13, 2011

T.T. was one of my favorite people in this world. I will always remember him for his positive attitude. I have been through alot of struggles in my life, and I could always count on T.T. for his positive outlook. He would always make me smile. He loved his jazz music, I will always remember he would love to have me listen to it and talk about it later. I will truly miss his smiling face. We both loved animals so very much, that was just one quality that made him so special. I will always keep in him in my heart. He will truly be missed by those who were touched by his presence and bursting personality. my thoughts and prayers remain to go out to those lives whom he touched and his family, and especially my dear mother Lou. He is now home. He is at peace, I love you T.T.
LOVE ALWAYS
Kelly, (your friend), rest in peace my true friend and buddy.

David Bedinger

January 12, 2011

Lu Ross, and the Trotter family:

I feel fortunate to have met Mr. Trotter, and I will miss him very much. People like Mr Trotter are few and far between. He was, indeed, very, very special: always calm, content and in control, enjoying life, while enriching the lives of those around him.

Jane Genten

January 12, 2011

Dear Lou and Family,
I will never forget the first time I met Mr. Trotter at Lou's house with his beloved John Boy. I knew then that I would one day have a yellow lab of my own. Here it is 8 years later and I have my precious yellow lab, Sam.
I enjoyed the few times I visited him to help with his vision problems. He was a joy, always optimistic, kind and gentle. I know he was special to all who knew him.
Sincerely,
Jane Genten, NC Services for the Blind
704-563-4168

January 10, 2011

T.T. was always a joy to be around. He may have been the most optimistic soul other than my Mother that we have ever met or known! And his excitement regarding "the Jazz" and new stereo and television technologies were contagious! You could not help but be caught up in the moment with him, especially when he was listening to his music and would tell you -"Listen to this!" just before a bass horn section solo or bridge. After our pause to listen, he would excitedly exclaim, "Don't you just love those horns?!"
We were fortunate to know Tommy Trotter, and are richer for the experience of his friendship. Amy, Sam, and I will miss T very much, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
With Love Always -
Amy, Sam, and Lee Ross

January 10, 2011

Johnny, Jenks, Scotty and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.
"T.T." was such a wonderful person and we are so blessed to have had him as a part of our family for so many years.
We will miss him but smile when we think of all the stories he told us.
We will always appreciate the solid advice he always gave us.
With Love,
Mike, Kim, Justin and Payton Hall
(The Ross Family)

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