James “Kidd” Edward Erwin, 76, of Hickory, N.C., passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Atrikum Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was born on March 8, 1948, in Iredell County to Robert L. Campbell and Rosa Blair Campbell.

He was a graduate of both Morningside High School and Mitchell Community College in Statesville and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked for Parker Southern in Maiden and Southern Screw in Statesville. He also owned James’s Lawn Care and did auto body work. He was a member of Whosoever Will Full Gospel Church in Hickory.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Leslie Gray; sister, Wanda Campbell; niece, Cheryl Hemingway; and nephews, Asai Miller and Darran Hemingway.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shirley Wilson Erwin of Hickory; daughter, Arlette Scott of Statesville; sisters, Mallion Erwin, Mary Erwin, Eunice Lazenby, and Darlene Miller (Randy), all of Statesville; grandchildren, Derae Gray, Brianna Scott, and Jonaia Cole; great grandchildren, Derell Scott, Driana Scott, and De’Kari Scott; special cousins, Sherry Moore, LaFonda Blair, Melicia Oglesby, Cindy Blair, and Dewayne Blair; special friends, Clyde “Plug” Morrison, Stanley Lewis, Shelton Dalton, Renard Dalton, Miles Ramseur, Herb Thompson, and Douglas Faulkner; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 24, from 2 until 3 p.m. at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial with military honors will occur on Monday, November 25, at 11 a.m. at Salisbury National Cemetery.

Condolences and words of comfort may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to serve Mr. Erwin and his family.