James Oliver Pendleton

1928 - 2021

James Oliver Pendleton

June 9, 1928 - July 27, 2021

James Oliver Pendleton, 93, of Hickory, passed away peacefully at his residence, Tuesday, July 27, 2021.

He was born June 9, 1928, in Cramerton, to the late James Franklin Pendleton and Margaret Oliver. Jim was a long-time member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Hickory, and retired from sales in the furniture industry. He enjoyed golfing, vacations with his family, early morning walks on the beach, and then siting at the water's edge in the late afternoon, having hamburgers and hot dogs for his birthday dinner, and, most importantly, being with his family. He especially loved meeting and talking to people, never meeting a stranger. He knew people all over town and after retirement his day would start by making the rounds to five or six places to say hello.

Jim, aka "Corky" in his younger days, played high school sports and excelled in both football and basketball for Cramerton High School. After graduating from high school, Jim attended Belmont Abby College in Gastonia. He then joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany in the early 50s, where he had the opportunity to visit several countries. He loved the culture and the scenery but, most of all, he loved the food. Jim always had plenty of stories to share. He met the love of his life, Martha Cornelia "Connie" Owens after he returned home from the service while she was teaching in nearby Paws Creek. They were married April 15, 1954, and had two daughters. After living in Kinston, for a short time where their first daughter, Beverly, was born they moved to Hickory where their second daughter, Sherree, was born and called it home for over 60 years.

Jim passionately worked through St. Luke's with the Hickory Soup Kitchen, raising money and collecting food. He was also a huge advocate for the staff and their hard work. He petitioned for advancement and pay raises that were granted. From his hard work and commitment to the Soup Kitchen, he was asked to serve on the board which he gladly accepted. He served on the board for many years before finally retiring in December 2016.

Jim's favorite past-time was golf. He played for over 40 years and shared his love of the game with his three grandsons, Loren, Matt and Kyle. He started some at an early age and would have clubs cut down to fit their small size. He gave them starter sets, bought clubs and shoes throughout the years, gave instructions and took them to the golf course as often as possible. They also spent a lot of time at their favorite golf shop, D&S Golf. Jim had many great memories of time spent on the course with these three boys, his friends in Hickory and his long-time friend, Al Hoke. Jim and Al would always have a friendly competition and wager going on that led to many fun stories around the dinner table. His grandsons cherish their time spent with him and shared Jim's passion for golf. Loren and Matt played on the Hickory High School golf team and won State Championships in their respective years. They had a great teacher in their grandad! They all continue to play and enjoy golf today.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of almost 64 years, Connie Pendleton; his brother, Gerald; and sister, Joretta.

Those left to cherish his memory of loving husband, father and grandfather are daughters, Beverly Ballard and husband, Sid, of Hickory and Sherree Harris of Hickory; grandchildren, Loren Harris, Matt Harris and wife, Caiti, of Charlotte, Kortney Munday Coulter and husband, Ryan, of Newton, Kyle Munday and wife, Melissa, of Hickory; great-grandchildren, Rylan Coulter, Raegan Coulter and baby boy, Munday, to arrive in November.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim's life will be held Sunday, Aug. 22, at 5 p.m., at St. Luke's UMC. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor.

The family wants to give special thanks to his caregivers that stayed by his side for the past 3½ years, Shelly Cox, Abigail Argueta, Hellen Argueta, and Ada Galeano. Also, a special thanks to the wonderful nurses and care he received recently from Carolina Caring, especially Marqueritte.

Memorials may be made to the St. Luke's UMC Memorial Garden Fund; or The Hickory Soup Kitchen.

www.bass-smithfuneralhome.com