James “Jim” Ray Sherrill Sr., 72, of Troutman, N.C., passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022.

Mr. Sherrill was born in Statesville, N.C., on July 9, 1950, the son of the late Frank and Lillian Gillian Sherrill of Troutman.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Younger, and his brother, Jeff Sherrill. Jimmy attended Troutman Elementary School and graduated from South Iredell High School in 1969. He retired from International Paper Co. in Statesville as a Second Shift Supervisor. He also worked at Stone Container in Lexington, N.C., and until his death he worked at American Stainless in Troutman. Jimmy loved spending time with his family, working in his flowers, fishing, and playing scratch-offs. He was a born-again Christian, a good and kind man who is now with Jesus.

He is survived by his wife of 50½ years, Deborah Hilderbrand Sherrill, who loved him dearly. Also surviving are his son James R. Sherrill Jr. (Carmen Arias Suarez); his grandsons, Angel Arias and Gabriel Arias; his granddaughter, Aliyah S. Arias; great grandson, Avi Dahbi; his sisters, Carol S. Duke of Jacksonville, Fla., and Joan S. Karriker of Salisbury, N.C.; his brothers, Charles N. Sherrill (Denise) of Statesville and David Sherrill (Jane) of Troutman; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Feebee.

A graveside service celebrating the life of Jim Sherrill will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022, at St. Michaels Cemetery in Troutman. Mr. Sherill will lie in state on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Troutman Funeral Home.

“The world was a better place with him in it!”

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.