James Thomas Emmons

James Thomas Emmons, 69, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2012 from complications due to prostate cancer. A Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 30, 2012, 3 p.m. at Highland United Methodist Church, Raleigh. He will always be remembered for being a loving husband, amazing Daddy, and " Big Jim"-granddaddy. He left many memories behind for his grandchildren, especially their special morning pancakes.

He graduated from Needham Broughton High School, where he lettered in both basketball and tennis. Upon graduation, he attended North Carolina State University, and was seeded #1 for tennis.

As an accomplished tennis professional, he was the founding tennis pro at Raleigh Raquet Club and Wild Dunes. He held numerous double titles during his career and was also a pro at Carolina Country Club, Pinehurst Country Club, , and NCSU Faculty Club.

He is survived by his wife, Debra L. Emmons, daughters; Alicia E. Gagliardi and husband, Glenn, Suzanne Jones, Joanna E. Cash, Lindsay Kornely and husband, Philip,

Lawson Emmons and fiance', Daniel, and Logan Emmons, grandchildren; Michaela, Hannah, Wesley, Molly, Lyla, Andrew, Luke and Olivia, mother-in-law, Ann Lawson, and dog, Simon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Phebe and his daughter, Tracey Jones.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Yuri Fesko, and all the nurses and staff of Duke-Raleigh Hospital and Raleigh Rehab staff for their kindness. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownwynne.com