James Lee Batts Sr.

James Lee Batts, Sr., 90, of Knightdale, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026. He was born on February 20, 1935, in Elm City, North Carolina, to Ernest and Bertha Batts.

James was the longtime owner and operator of Batts Truck and Trailer Parts, where he worked alongside his wife and sons. He loved spending time with his friends and family at the Pungo River, in a home he built with help from his family. James found great peace and happiness in fishing. He also enjoyed cooking his catch for his family and neighbors, often reminding them that "this was swimming this morning."

He is preceded in death by his parents; son Jimmy, and brothers Vernon, Bob, Jack, and Tom; and sisters Doris Pridgen, Grace Raper, and Katie Williams.

James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Brannan Batts; son Michael and his wife Cathy; granddaughter Claudia; sisters Ernestine Mercer, Pat Mullins, Shirley Gardner, Jo Bradshaw, and Sue Hancock; and dear friends Deborah, Ira, and Madison Scott.

Due to inclement weather, the service has been rescheduled from Saturday, January 31, 2026 to Sunday, February 8, 2026.

Visitation will be held at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service, 944 Old Knight Road, Knightdale, at 2:00 pm, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, followed by a memorial service at 3:00 pm in the chapel. The burial will be held privately at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Checks may be mailed to the address below.

UNC Health Foundation

Attn: UNC Lineberger

PO Box 1050

Chapel Hill, NC 27514