James Walter Cash

James Walter Cash, Jr., 90, passed into his heavenly home early Monday morning, April 2, 2018 from Johnston Health in Clayton. Born October 5, 1927 in Oxford, he was the son of James Walter Cash, Sr. and Alma Ragland Cash.

In addition to his parents, James is predeceased by his sister, Janie Mary Cash Hecht; and two brothers, Arthur Lee Cash and Oliver Howell Cash.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ramona; sister-in-law, Mattie Sue Speed Cash of Oxford; and several nieces and nephews.

James was a gentleman of the highest character. He will be remembered for his wit and cheerful demeanor. Dedicated and committed, he gave selflessly to his family, his church, his hometown of Clayton, and to the broader Johnston County community. A gracious and humble public servant, James was blessed with a multitude of close friends and admirers. He was most devoted to his loving wife, Ramona, and constantly worked to insure her happiness.

He graduated from Oxford High School and attended Massey Business College in Richmond, Va. James served his country with honor in the United States Navy during World War II and later during the Korean Conflict. Before a lengthy and productive retirement, he was the owner and operator of the Western Auto store in downtown Clayton for 25 years.

Devout Christians, James and Ramona, joined Clayton First Baptist Church shortly after they moved to town in 1952. James was an ordained Deacon, Trustee and served as church Treasurer for over 40 years. He also served First Baptist and its congregation as an usher and member of numerous church committees.

Because of his commitment to public service and desire to be active in his community, James was a steadfast and dependable member of numerous boards and organizations. He served as a Johnston County Commissioner for 20 years, was a founding member of the Johnston Health Foundation and served for 23 years on the Johnston Health Board of Trustees.

In 1985, he was named the Clayton Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. In 1998, Governor Jim Hunt awarded James North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In 2005, James was honored as one of Johnston County’s Living Legends.

James was past president of the Clayton Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, past president of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, past president of Friends of the Library (Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library in Clayton) and past president of the Johnston County Agriculture Business Council. The list of James’ volunteer service activities and accomplishments goes on and on.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Clayton First Baptist Church. Dr. Mark White will officiate.

Ramona will receive family and friends at a reception in the fellowship hall immediately following the ceremony. A private entombment will take place at Pinecrest Memorial Park prior to the memorial servicel. Memorial contributions may be made to Clayton First Baptist Church, 411 North Fayetteville St., Clayton, NC 27520. Online condolences may be made to the Cash family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.

Arrangements are with McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton.