James Elliott Lassiter Sr.

James Elliott Lassiter, Sr., of Raleigh, died peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025. His wife of 63 years, Judy Lassiter, was by his side. James Elliott was born July 21, 1932, in Conway, NC to the late Jake William Lassiter and Helen Elliott Lassiter. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Jake, Jr.
Jim was a member of St. James United Methodist Church for 60 years, serving on various committees, participating in his Sunday School class, Bible studies, church workdays, and Appalachian Service Project. His faith was a very important part of his life.
He attended Chowan College before joining the US Navy in 1952. He served four years aboard the USS Wisconsin during the Korean War, and it was during these years that he discovered a world beyond Northampton County. His time on the Wisconsin was a great source of pride for him and he never shied away from sharing stories about life aboard "her." Following discharge from the Navy, he returned to East Carolina College and graduated in 1959 with a degree in Industrial Arts.
He taught Woodshop and Driver's Ed at Princess Ann High School in Virginia Beach, VA for several years before joining Traveler's Insurance in Norfolk, VA. He and Judy moved to Raleigh in 1969 and raised their family in the Brentwood community. Soon after making that move, he joined the US Postal Service. In 1989, they moved to Wendell, NC and enjoyed three decades of country living. Jim retired from the US Post Office in 2001. In 2023, they returned to Raleigh, just around the corner from the church that had been such a tremendous source of comfort for so many years.
Jim was a long time ECU Pirate Club member and loved tailgating and attending football games with his family. He was a former president of the Raleigh Lion's Club and member of the Raleigh Sports Club.
James Elliott, Elliott, Buddy, Jim, James E, Dad, Daddy, Pops, Grandpa, and Papa never met a stranger, could always find something to talk about, and knew a little something about everything. His children look back on their early years and value the life lessons he shared – independence, Ohm's Law, a little money can go a long way if managed well, and how to fix just about anything with dish soap and vegetable oil. The best lesson he taught his sons was how to be a great husband and father. He always put his family first.
In addition to his wife, he leaves behind his sons and daughter: Jim Lassiter (Leslie) of Mt Pleasant, SC, Michael Lassiter (Lisa) of Greenville, NC, and Stephanie Wilson (Tom) of Raleigh, NC, as well as grandchildren Ben (Emily), Andrew, Michael (Bethany), Jonathan, Erin, Ross, Blake and one great-grandson, Remington.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. James United Methodist Church, 3808 St James Church Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604. Visitation will be in Carson Hall one hour prior to the service. A graveside ceremony with military honors will be held Saturday at 3pm in Conway, NC. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St James United Methodist Church – Critical Repairs, 3808 St James Church Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604 or online by clicking here.
2 Timothy 4: 6-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service ~ Letchworth Chapel in Scotland Neck will be handling the arrangements for the Lassiter family and online condolences may be shared with the family at www.garrettsykesfs.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Elliott Lassiter, Sr., please visit our floral store.