James Ray "Jim" Respess

James Ray “Jim” Respess, Jr., 72, of Edenton, NC passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Born in Portsmouth, VA on March 31, 1953, Jim was the husband of Janet Goodwin Respess and the son of James Ray Respess, Sr. and Helen Blackman Respess, both deceased. Jim was the assistant manager of Colony Tire for nearly 20 years until his early retirement due to health complications. He attended Macedonia Baptist Church, Edenton, NC and was a long-time member of Bethany Baptist Church, Suffolk, VA.

Survivors include his wife, Janet of the home; four daughters, Stefanie Norman and husband, Charles of Plymouth, NC, Crystal Simpson and husband, Chris of East Lake, NC, Stacy Taylor of Hampstead, NC, and Shellie Harmon of Edenton, NC; seven grandchildren, Tevion Leary and wife, Mesha, Keiara Leary, Christian Simpson, Chasiti Taylor, Dylan Talor, Bailie Stanley, and Aliyah Drew; ten great grandchildren, Jaishawn, Ny’omie, Artist, Karmyn, Kaisyn, Faithlyn, Kolson, Grayson, Paisleigh, and Ke’nai; sister, Sharon Respess Rowland and husband, William of Suffolk, VA; and brother, John Steven Respess and wife, Carla of Suffolk, VA.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his great granddaughter, Kayleigh Marie and his nephew, Justin Stephen Respess.

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Macedonia Baptist Church, Edenton, NC with Pastor Steve Hill officiating. The family will greet friends in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Amedisys Hospice for their excellent care and a special thank you to their dear friend Bri-Anna who provided great support and guidance throughout this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Macedonia Baptist Church, Edenton, NC.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC is assisting the Respess family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com