James Eugene Filipski

James Eugene Filipski, 101, died peacefully in his home in Greensboro, N.C. on November 27, 2017, surrounded by his family. Born in Little Falls, New York on May 14, 1916, he was the oldest of six children. His parents, Michael and Michelina Filipski, were immigrants from Poland. After graduating from high school, Jim hitchhiked to New York City where he found work at the Pennsylvania Drug Store. He enjoyed talking about his adventures in the city, including seeing 19-year-old Frank Sinatra performing with Benny Goodman at the Paramount Theater. Jim enlisted in the Army Air Corps just before Pearl Harbor and was in training in N.C. when he met Dare Hartley, an Army nurse, on a blind date. They married two months later and were immediately sent to opposite ends of the world. She served in a hospital in Britain with her Duke unit and he served in the South Pacific. They wrote each other daily.

After the war, Jim and Dare reunited and settled in N.C. to work and raise their family. Jim was fortunate in finding the perfect career with the N. C. Employment Security Commission. He was manager of the Greensboro office in the 50’s and 60’s and was proud that his office was the first in the state to integrate. He received the Harold Russell award for his accomplishments finding employment for the disabled. He was promoted to Area Supervisor and served in both Wake and Guilford counties. Jim and Dare were members of the First Baptist Church where Jim was an usher. He was also active in the Lions’ Club, American Legion, and the Air Force Reserve.

All his life, he was blessed with a wealth of personal friendships.

After Dare’s death in 1987, Jim found love again and married Marjorie Juillet of Flynt, MI. They lived in Scottsdale, AZ until Marjorie’s death. Jim returned to Greensboro.

Jim is survived by two sisters: Wanda Noyes of Cooperstown, N.Y. and Helyn Oliver of Little Falls, N.Y. four children: Linda Crucet of Raleigh, N.C., Karen Filipski of Greensboro, N.C., Michael Filipski and wife Neyeska of Oak Ridge, N.C. and Elaine Berry and husband Fred of Reidsville, N.C. five grandchildren: Lisa Harpe and husband David of Raleigh, N.C., Scott Grant and wife Cher of Atlanta, GA, Irene Berry of Schenectady, N.Y., Ben Berry of Hillsborough, N.C. and Nathan Berry of Grant’s Pass, Oregon, and three great-grandchildren: Lillian and Lexi Harpe of Raleigh, N.C. and Tessa Grant of Atlanta, GA.

The Filipski family would like to thank the four incredible caregivers who enriched and brightened Jim’s final years: Gloria Simpson, Charmaine Brown, Latonya Cunningham, and Alicia Flowers. The family would also like to thank Jim’s doctor, Dr. James Kim, who made it easier for them to care for Jim at home.

Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home is handling Jim's cremation. A graveside service will be planned for the spring in Blowing Rock, N.C. Memorial gifts may be made to WUNC National Public Radio.