James Edgar Royal

1931 - 2025

James Edgar Royal

Aug 19, 1931 - Nov 13, 2025

On Nov. 13, 2025, the world lost one of its great storytellers. James "Jim" E. Royal passed away in hospice after a brief illness. Jim was born in Sylacauga, Alabama, on August 19, 1931, to Edgar and Bernice. From this small rural town launched a great life. He attended Comer High School where he was in class with Jim Neighbors of "Andy Griffith Show" fame. It was in those years where he also became acquaintances with Hank Williams. At 16 he left home to join the Army, and served several months before the army realized he was underage. At 18 he rejoined and served several years in the early 1950s. After the army he attended and graduated from Auburn University, a fact he was very proud of. After graduating he began work at Western Electric (AT&T) and his work took him around the world from Mexico to the White Plains Missile Silo, and a stint laying telecommunication cables in the Arctic. Jim even worked alongside of Warner Von Braun who crafted modern rocketry. It was during these years where he met his late wife, Barbara Money. Together they built lasting friendships and memories. They had a home at Topsail Beach, where he co-owned the pier, and at High Rock Lake, where Jim was an avid fisherman. They enjoyed parties, Barbara's music, and time with friends. Together they had 62 years of a wonderful marriage. After the passing of Barbara in 2021, Jim was fortunate to meet Jean Maxcy Linville of Walkertown, and they were married in 2023. Together they watched after the wildlife that took shelter on their property, shared stories, and enjoyed having small gatherings at the house with good friends. Jim found a renewed interest in life with Jean, after the passing of Barabara, and she was a great comfort to Jim as his health slowly declined. Jim is survived by his wife Jean; nieces Cathy Hayes and Barbara Hayes-Amato (Bob, and nephews through Barbara Money, Rich, Michael and Donald. He is preceded in death by sisters Audrey Hayes (Earl), Alice Barnett (Grady); and a brother-in-law Richard Money.

Services will be held at Hayworth-Miller in Kernersville, 3950 Macy Grove Rd., on Thursday November 20, 2025. Public viewing will be available from 1 to 1:45 and a memorial service, officiated by Rev. Paul Freeman, will follow at 2. There will be a graveside service following at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown, 5676 Old Walkertown Rd. Jean would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Care Facility in Winston-Salem for their care of Jim and to Jody and Brenda Freeman for their care over the past few months.

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