James Phillip Huffstetler

James Phillip Huffstetler
Jim Huffstetler, 76, of Charlotte NC, passed away on January 25, 2009 from complications related to a heart attack.
He was born in Charlotte on February 1, 1932, the fifth of eight children of the late Charles H. and Lula G. Huffstetler. Jim graduated from Central High School in Charlotte, attended Charlotte College (where he played on the basketball team) and Oakridge Military Institute. After proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years, Jim went back to college and graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.
Jim began his business career in insurance with The Travelers Insurance Company in Charlotte. His career with The Travelers took Jim to Hartford, CT, St. Louis, MO, and Houston, TX, where he met his wife Mary Hale Lauhon. Together they moved to Oklahoma City, OK, where they started their family. Jim and his family returned to Charlotte in 1970 to take a position with the James J. Harris Insurance Company. In 1979, Jim participated in the creation of the Cameron M. Harris & Co. insurance agency, where he remained until retirement.
He had fond memories of friendships and life-guarding days at Myrtle Beach. He was an original member of the 'Society of Shaggers' (SOS) and attended their reunions at Ocean Drive, SC. Jim had served as a deacon and usher at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by Mary Lauhon Huffstetler, his wife of 47 years; his son, James P. Huffstetler Jr. and wife Patricia O'Reilly of Litchfield, CT; son, David L. Huffstetler and wife Laura Willer of Raleigh NC; and daughter, Heidi Harney and husband John M. Harney of Charlotte NC. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Dave and Edward Huffstetler, Mathews and Mary Cason Harney, and Buckley Huffstetler.
Jim is also survived by his sister Joyce Helms, his brother Charles Huffstetler, and wife Freda Huffstetler, brother Robert Huffstetler, sister Joan Ross, sister Anne Harrelson and husband Dr. Henry Harrelson, brother Daniel Huffstetler and wife Charlene Huffstetler, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his sister Helen Campbell and husband Dick Campbell, brother-in-law Rev. Jack Ross, brother-in-law Leland Helms, and sister-in-law Kitty Huffstetler.
A memorial service will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207 on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. The family will be receiving friends in the church's Providence Hall after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church - Community Outreach.
Harry and Bryant Company is serving the family.