James Harvey Saunders Sr.

Jim was born on September 3, 1922 to the late Joseph and Rosa Saunders of Long Island, NC. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Wade, John, Joseph, Tom, and Mary Neal.

Jim served in the Air Force during WWII between 1942 and 1946. He was the youngest of 6 brothers serving in WWII. He attended Seymour Johnson Aircraft & Engine School, later going on to Santa Monica, CA, Douglas Aircraft School, graduating in 1943. His training continued in the Congaree, SC Air Base, Myrtle Beach Air Base, Dover, Delaware Air Base, Langley Field, VA and Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois. After the war, he was employed with Hickory Electric. In 1947 he started employment for the US Postal Service in Catawba, NC, where he was a dedicated rural letter carrier for all patrons, and continued until his retirement in 1987.

He was a member of Hopewell United Methodist Church and served in various capacities over the years. Jim was a member of the Catawba Lions Club, Riverside Masonic Lodge #606, Oasis Shrine, and 50 year life time member of the American Legion Post 48. Jim was actively involved with various charitable organizations. He also enjoyed gardening and traveling, as well as the lake and outdoor life.

Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nancy Gabriel Saunders; his son, Jim Saunders, Jr. and wife, Pam, and granddaughter, Alex. Additional survivors include his brother, Harold Saunders; sister, Laura Rose (Peggy) Wilson, and many very special nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the clinical and nursing staff of Iredell Memorial Hospital and Dr. Andy White, and to the Abernethy Laurels for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 8, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Hopewell United Methodist Church in Sherrills Ford in the Family Life Center. A Service of Remembrance will be at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Bob Roten officiating and burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

For those who prefer, memorials may be made to Hopewell United Methodist Church, 2211 Hopewell Church Rd, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673.