James Albert Padgett

James Albert ‘Al’ Padgett, 97, passed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus, on April 5, 2023. Al was born in Gastonia, NC on March 14,1926 to Robert Taylor Padgett and Ethel Fair Hicks as the youngest of their seven children. His sisters were Ethel, Helen and Martha and his brothers Robert, Dan and William who all predeceased him. Also predeceasing him were his first wife of 8 years Betty Gene Sparks and the mother of his 3 sons and his second wife of 37 years Francis Victoria Marotti.

Al is survived by his wife of 18 years and best friend Ingrid Martha Wilcox 90, three sons Jim 72 (Linda), Dan 70 (Brenda) and Jon 65 (Sandy). He has eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Al grew up in Gastonia and after graduating from high school joined the Navy. He served in the Pacific theater at the end of WW2. He returned home and moved to Washington, DC to attend American University. After graduation, he married, moved to Virginia, entered the business world, and worked in a variety of areas.

He eventually worked for the Department of the Army at the Pentagon and retired from there in 1982. He retired to Florida where he lived for over 30 years before moving to New Bern in 2018.

Al enjoyed power boating on Chesapeake Bay and fishing. He was an avid golfer and a great handyman who felt he could repair anything. His fascination with computers motivated him to join a Senior’s Computer Club in Florida 25 years ago and he used his computer daily. He had a very sharp and inquisitive mind and enjoyed understanding how everything worked.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday April 14th at 1pm at the Carolina Colours Pavilion located at 3300 Waterscape Way, New Bern.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Padgett family.