James Albert Pierce, 94, passed away peacefully on June, 14, 2023, surrounded by a few of his favorite young’uns.

Like many in Alexander County, he was born and raised on the family farm until his country called upon him during the Korean War.

Born March 12, 1929, son of Ben Elbert Pierce and Rosie Mitchell Pierce, he said goodbye at the age of 23 to the dirt floors of his family’s cabin tucked among the Alexander County trees and embarked on eight years of obligated service — two years of active duty in the Marines and six in the reserves, following his basic training in Parris Island, S.C., and finishing his “hitch” at Cherry Point, N.C.

All that remains at his beloved “old place” is a chimney where the cabin once stood – the last remnant and reminder of where James came from before building his own home on Lippard Farm Road in 1965.

Even prouder than his origins was his pride for the life and family he created alongside his wife of 62 years, Gail Pennel Pierce, whom he married on Christmas Eve of 1960.

When the lovebirds settled down, trading their motorcycles for three beautiful children, James raised his family from the road but always cherished his long-awaited return — to spend time with his children and of course, like any honest Southern man, hunt for deer and stories to share with the Buck Snort Hunting Club.

With a CB handle of 747, a number that seems to follow his family wherever they go, he drove a truck for S&S Trucking, Leviton and Holland until the age of 77. Even after he retired, it was a rare occurrence to find him in anything but a truckers cap and uniform with a faint smudge of tobacco along the collar.

Though GPS is certainly reliable, friends and family always knew they were better off asking for directions from James, a true walking roadmap who hauled loads through the lower 48 states and multiple Canadian providences with an initial earning of 3 cents per mile.

Though modern technology like GPS and cell phones were inevitable, James always held on tightly to simpler times. If he wasn’t cheering Jeff Gordon through each left turn, he was sitting comfortably in his recliner, tuned in to Turner Classic Movies. That is, until it was time for “Jeopardy!” which he watched religiously until the passing of Alex Trebek.

James was proceeded in death by his parents; infant son Jimmy Alan Pierce; and siblings JR Pierce, Grady Pierce, JC Pierce, Marie Mecimore, Essie Mae Hall, and Phyllis Pierce; and grandson BJ Pierce.

He is survived by his wife Gail Pennell Pierce; daughters Sandra Wilusz (Jeff) and Beverly Isenhour; sons Billy Pierce and Allen Pierce, all of Statesville; grandchildren, Ryan Wilusz (Katherine), Katelyn Pierce, Ethan Isenhour, Nora Isenhour and Regina Walker; great grandchildren Katie, Dylan and Julie; great great granddaughter Magnolia; and sisters Linda Pardue (Paul) and Arlene Keever (Kenny); along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will greet friends on Monday, June 19, 2023, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Troutman Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be held at Iredell Memorial Gardens following the funeral service. Online condolences may be made to the Pierce family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Iredell County Animal Shelter, 430 Bristol Drive, Statesville, NC 28677.

As you remember James, crack open a Mountain Dew and a pack of Lance crackers. Put your grandchildren on your lap and hug the ones you love. May your loads be light and your hauls be long. 10-4.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.