Staff Sergeant (Ret) James Ernest McIver, Sr.

Staff Sergeant (Retired) James Ernest McIver Sr., age 89 of Sanford, NC transitioned into eternal rest Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at his residence.

James Ernest McIver was born September 29, 1931,  the youngest son of the late John and Mary McIver.  Born in Lee County, North Carolina, this area remained the place he called home.  He departed this life on Wednesday, February 17th, 2021.  James, or “Shakey” as he was fondly called, died in the quietness and comfort of his bedroom;  at home with his beloved wife, Ernestine, and son, Dedrick and grandson, Jaerias.  Granddaughters had come by to spend some time with PaPa.  While they visited with Tine in the living room, James quietly took his leave, going home to be with the Lord.

James lived a good life!  Attending Lee County High School, he joined the army and began a military career that would span twenty two years.  

Successfully completing the Practical Nurse’s curriculum,  James remembered his family back home by sending money to them.  James would travel into combat zones to assist and administer aid and comfort to his military brothers and sisters.  He served in the Vietnam War, served in Germany, and was stationed at other bases.  His last station was Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  James was a lifelong member of American Legion #237 in Sanford, North Carolina. 

When James retired from the military, he did not retire from life.  He stayed involved in the community.  He and Ernestine bought a house in Sanford, settled in with their son, Dedrick, and James went back to work at a local school.   After some years at the school,  he took a position at GKN Automotive, Inc.  Always easy going and quick to cultivate friendships, he often said he wasn’t trying to do anything too strenuous. He refused to be a machine operator.  He asked for a custodial position.  This work allowed him to move at his own pace, get to make the rounds on the manufacturing floor and talk with friends and acquaintances every day.  He had a regular bunch of buddies to work, eat and have fun with.  

James was an avid reader; he kept up with what was going on in the world, his hometown and neighborhood.  He enjoyed reminiscing about old times,  He knew what he liked and recognized what did not sit well with him.   His favorite season was cookout time!  He loved long summer days, grilling out, laughing and talking.  He was a very sharp dresser and had  sharp-dresser swag!  He was cool by nature.   There was no pretense in him.

James loved the Lord and supported the ministry of Taylors Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, the lifelong home church of his wife, Ernestine and mother-in-law, Beatrice Taylor and her family.   James was committed to his family and the institution of family.  He loved little children and had spent a small fortune on the cookies he distributed to them.  He is already being missed!

James was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Mary McIver; his siblings, Clareta McMillan, Isabelle Moffitt, Mary Alice McLean, Margaret Phillips, Joe, John, and Philmore McIver, and his beloved son,  James Ronnie McIver (Barbara), Mother-in-law, Beatrice Taylor, Brother-in-law, Wilkie McCrimmon, Nieces Georgia Moffitt Harris, Faye Foxx, Ellen Moffitt and Bobbie Green and nephews Clarence McLean, Tom Baldwin and Red Baldwin.

Memories of him will be especially cherished by his wife, Ernestine Taylor McIver, sons, James R. McIver, Dedrick McIver,  Gerald McIver, Tony C. McIver (Latasha), sweet daughter Lavetrice McIver and bonus son Demetrius Palmer (Mattie). Also left to mourn are two generations of grandchildren totaling 27 and 32 great grandchildren, three generations of nieces and nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

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