James Edward Gaither, 77, of Harmony, N.C., passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, in Statesville, N.C. He was born on August 15, 1947, in Iredell County to Ernest Owens Izell Gaither and Novella Turner Gaither.

James was a member of Rocky Creek AME Church in Harmony. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and served his church by maintaining the church grounds for many years. He loved baseball and football and was a Washington Commanders fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stamey Gaither and Kenneth Gaither; and three fur babies, Teddy, Flossie, and Freckles.

James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Nichols Gaither of Harmony; brothers, Henry Gaither (Sadellia) and Ernest Owen Gaither Jr. (Stephanie), both of Harmony; sister, Diane Gaither Chambers (John) of Fayetteville; step-brother, George Turner of Statesville; nephews, Russell McIntosh, Ellery McIntosh, and Cinique Scott; special friends, James Dobbins, David Redmon, Leonard Lazenby, and Kippy Dobbins; and a host of nieces and nephews by marriage.

The family will receive friends during quiet time on Monday, March 3, from 3:30 until 4 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Reverend Marcus Farmer will officiate.

Donations may be made in James’s memory to the American Heart Association online at https://www.heart.org/ or by mail to PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284.

Condolences or fond memories may be shared with the family at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Gaither and his family.