James Thurston Rollins

MSgt James Thurston Rollins (Retired U.S. Army) beloved husband and father of eight, passed away peacefully at his home on June 9, 2025 at the age of 87. Born June 3, 1938, to Maude and Lloyd Rollins, he was one of nine children growing up sharecropping in Wayne County and graduated from Nahunta High School. MSgt Rollins honorably served his country for twenty-three years in the United States Army before retiring in 1980. He received a bronze star for his meritorious service in the Vietnam conflict. Jim married his bride, the love of his life, Monica Nezballa, in 1964. Last year they celebrated 60 years of marriage and renewed their vows surrounded by family in the same Washington, D.C. church in which they were married. Jim was a convert to Catholicism and a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Goldsboro, NC where he served in many capacities including finance chairman, member of the Knights of Columbus and the parish council.
He is preceded in death by son Russell Brian, son-in-law Jeremy Gould and seven siblings. He is survived by his wife, Monica Rollins, his seven children and their spouses: James Christopher (Andrea) Rollins, Jeffrey (Monica) Rollins, Richard (Kathryn) Rollins, Lisa Rollins, Doug ( Michelle) Rollins, Eric (Stephanie) Rollins and Nicole (David) Holbrook, seventeen grandchildren: Andrew R., Jamie R., Russel Jacob R., Brooke Lindsey (James) Miralia, Michaela R., Matthew R., Justin R., Hannah R., Ashlynn Grace Gould, Benjamin R., Michael R., Nicholas R, Emma R., Anna Gould, Jackson Gould, Alexander Gould, and Luke Gould, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and one sibling Joseph W. Rollins. He will be remembered for his strong faith in God, his love of family and country, his enthusiasm for sports, particularly the NY Yankees, his unique and witty sayings that often perplexed his kids, and his love and devotion to his wife Monica.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 15, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Seymour Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 1300 Wayne Memorial Drive, NC (919-734-1761). Preceding the visitation, the rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus in the Seymour Funeral Home chapel at 4:30 PM.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 16, at 11 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1603 Edgerton St, Goldsboro, NC.
A graveside ceremony with full military honors will be performed on June 27 at Hampton National Cemetery, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Goldsboro, NC.