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James Quinn Obituary
November 28, 1931 - February 17, 2019
Raleigh
Old Jim Quinn has taken his BBQ skills to the next universe. As the photo shows, all his dedicated protesting with wife Sonnya finally caught up with him - they joked that they would die from pneumonia sitting out in the cold fighting the good fight for social justice. And he fought hard and accomplished much.
Born 1931 in Shelby NC , the youngest of 6 children, his mother was a classically trained pianist who inspired his lifelong love of art and music. His own tastes led him to jazz and away from WNC to study architecture at NCSU under the professorship of the great Henry Kamphoefner, falling in love with the Modernist movement and the Beautiful Sonnya Hamilton at the same time, marrying in 1955. He served his country in the US Army, stationed in Bordeaux France along with his new bride employed in educating soldiers. Not a bad gig…
Upon returning to Raleigh, Jim was hired by the architectural firm Synergetics, focusing at the time on the construction of modular designs and the geodesic dome. He was especially proud of the work he did on the on the AMS Headquarters dome in Ohio and the NY World's Fair. From Synergetics he moved to Clemmer Horton architects in Hickory, coming back to Synergetics where he became Vice President. He went on to form his own firm, Quinn-Wiggins with Brad Wiggins, then left architecture to work for the State, first as a consulting architect and then on become the COO of the NC Housing Finance Agency, where he focused much love and energy serving the low income community.
Jim served on many civic organizations: he was elected to two terms on the Raleigh City Council, served on the Cameron Village Exchange Club where he was elected Man of the Year, Bridge Commander of the Raleigh Sail and Power Squadron, was a proud Precinct chairman, on the Board of Directors for the DHIC, on the Board of Directors, President, and Chairman of the National Leased Housing Association, on the Board of Directors and President two terms of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh. He worked for Civil Rights, Women's Rights, and was a dedicated citizen who stood up for those in need.
Jim leaves behind Sonnya Quinn (The Super Chick) son Chris (Jenny), daughter Ella, son Abe (Jessica), five grandchildren: Gabriel Long (Kalyn), Anselme Long, Oakley Long, Zola Quinn, and Fiona Quinn. He adored his nieces and nephews: Dewitt, Amanda, (Richard), Cynthia (Robert), Creighton, Syd (Louellen), Helen (Tommy), Clark (Sherry), David, Linda, and too many friends to name. He was full of love. He will be missed. And so will his barbecue. The service will be at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Raleigh, Sunday, March 3rd at 2 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Quinn
Sponsored by City of Oaks Cremation.
Jeff & Dorota Tuodziecka Adams
February 27, 2019
Sorry to hear this news. He will be missed.
Linda Morris
February 25, 2019
A king among men. Kind and loving until the end. The world will miss him.
Theresa Rosenberg
February 25, 2019
So many good memories of working together; the great victory party in the office when Jim won his seat on City Council,years of friendship. Many thanks for sharing.
February 23, 2019
From Anne Russell: Jim my kind of guy. From Howard Garriss: Jim and I shared Synergetics and sailing and Brad Wiggins.
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Pat McCullers
February 22, 2019
As the first employee of NC Housing Finance Agency, I was honored to work with Jim for many years. It was a pleasure, indeed.
Until we meet again.
Emily Smith
February 22, 2019
As a friend of Ella's growing up in the Forest Hills neighborhood in Raleigh, I have nothing but good memories of Jim, Sonnya, and their lovely home on Gardner Street. Ella and I had so much fun walking to the Rose Garden and playing in the Bamboo along the slopes, as well as at the park close to the house. My sincere condolences to the entire Quinn family.
Love,
Emily (Burns) Smith
Katie Lobdell Lee
February 22, 2019
My condolences to the Quinn family and extended families. When spending time with Jim, whether on shared family vacations at the beach or just catching up in Raleigh he was always a presence of kindness, love, and generosity. I'll miss his great voice and stories. He was the proof that when you give love you get love, and he was loved by many.
Love to you all from,
Katie & Stephen Lee
February 22, 2019
Oh, gosh, this loss hits home in every way. He was such an important part of my childhood and my adulthood. It seems like only yesterday, I was a little kid sitting on the steps at Park Drive, listening to Jim converse on topics far and wide at a Munger New Year's Eve party. He and Sonnya always seemed so very hip for parents, the epitome of slightly artsy, yet still responsible, 60's Cameron Parkers.
In the years that followed, despite changes everywhere as the world -- and people -- moved on, his love and devotion to Sonnya, along with their unshakeable partnership and willingness to take a stand, served as a beautiful example of love and stability to us all. Especially when, as an adulthood, passing out flyers at Moral Mondays in 104 degree heat, I discovered delight and an abiding sense of strength to see Jim and Sonnya always there, standing up for what they felt was right. They never, ever let age or a passing physical ailment get in the way of letting others in the world know they saw them and cared about them. They were, yet again, an inspiration to me.
Sonnya, I know a piece of your heart is gone. I hope your memories of the remarkable life journey the two of you made together can sustain you, if only a little, in the days to come. And if you need a wingman for a night out or for a rally, please know I'm in. As for the rest of you: I hope you know that I love all Quinns, large and small, and especially you, dear Christoff. Please know your father will always be remembered and loved by us Mungers. We know how hard this loss is, and we understand it, because we feel it, too.
Love,
Katy
Barbara Martin
February 22, 2019
Jim was such a great man and co-worker. I had the privilege of working with Jim at NCHFA. He was always smiling and could make you laugh no matter what kind of day you were having. He always cared about people. Sonya, you were the love of his life. I am so sorry for your loss. Jim has touched the lives of so many people and will be missed by all. God bless you and your wonderful family. Barbara Martin.
February 20, 2019
Dear Quinn family,
May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn," strengthen you during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2. Offering my deepest condolences
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