Mr. James Keith Ross, 79, of Lincolnton, N.C., passed away peacefully in his home with his wife Evelyn Ross by his side on Sunday morning, October 27, 2024.

Jim, as he liked to be called, was born on November 1, 1944, in Greensboro, N.C., son and youngest child of Lester Crowell Ross and Mary Lou Ross.

Mr. Ross is survived by his wife, Evelyn Ross; former wife, Cindy Arundel; son, Bryan Ross, and wife Donna of Claremont, N.C.; son, Scott Ross, and wife Ginger Ross of Troutman, N.C.; and grandchildren Matthew Ross and wife Mackenzie, Luke Ross and wife Kasey, Jessie Ross, and Kassidy Ross.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Ross was proceeded in death by his sisters. Regina Beam Ross, Mary Katherine Dellinger Ross, Elizabeth Ross Caskey, and brother Silas Webb Ross.

As young as age 12, Jim had a paper route. He worked hard to save up money to purchase his first car. Along the way, he won two state championships for most sales, which resulted in two free trips to the beach. Jim would go on to have a successful career in telephone equipment and later Lawn Care Services. He always had the greenest grass on the block.

Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1972. He was deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. He achieved the rank of Staff Sargent. Later, he returned to Greensboro, N.C., where he was a Marine recruiter.

He enjoyed playing tennis and, later in life, he owned three horses. He enjoyed taking care of them and they brought him much peace and tranquility.

Jim loved cars. He traded numerous times over the years. He loved the “art of the deal” and would not hesitate to help a friend find a car when they needed one.

First Presbyterian Church in Lincolnton, N.C., was his church home. He was baptized there, and he and Evelyn were married there in 2006. He served as an Elder.

Family and friends may greet the family from 2 to 2:50 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Unity Presbyterian Church in Denver, N.C. A funeral service for Mr. Ross will follow at 3 p.m. with Dr. Rev. David Bonnema officiating.

At 4:30 p.m., a graveside military ceremony will follow at Our Savior Episcopal Church in Lincolnton, N.C., with Rev. Liz Tester officiating.

Lastly, at 5:30 p.m., the family will host a Celebration of Life for Jim with Pastor Reed Conley at Artisan Church in Lincolnton, N.C.

Evelyn would like to thank the kind caregivers of Home Instead, Gastonia, N.C., and the compassionate staff of Carolina Caring, Newton, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity Presbyterian Church – Denver, N.C., Our Savior Episcopal Church – Lincolnton, N.C., and Artisan Church – Lincolnton, N.C.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Ross family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.