James Arthur West, Jr. (J.A.) died peacefully on May 25, 2023 at the age of almost-99, reuniting with his sweetheart Evelyn, his wife of 67 years who preceded him in death (2018).

He lived a life filled with activity, service, gratitude and especially love, with hardly a health issue at all until the last eighteen months. In his words, "I can't see and I can't hear, but otherwise I'm doing great."

Born in Wilmington, NC on July 30, 1924, J.A. was a Navy veteran of WWII, then finished his undergrad education on the GI Bill at Wake Forest University and graduated from Duke law school in 1950. That summer he moved to Shelby and became Cobby (C.C.) Horn's law partner, then married Evelyn in September and practiced law in Shelby for 44 years. J.A. was known as a straight shooter, a lawyer who would advise clients NOT to sue when he saw that it would likely hurt rather then help them. He incorporated for free a number of Shelby's most valuable community organizations including the public library, the Cleveland County Choral Society, Hospice of Cleveland County and many others. As Evelyn worked to launch the county's Hospice beginning in 1984, J.A. was her righthand man and invaluable partner in every way during those initial 10 years as Hospice grew and the Wendover facility was built.

J.A. has been an active member of Shelby's First Baptist Church for 72 years, often serving as a deacon, chairman of various committees, and always teaching Sunday School until he was 97, sometimes two classes at a time. As one class member told him, "J.A., I really appreciate the way you just tell it like it is. And if we have to pull in our toes, well then, we have to pull in our toes." In 2006, he was enlisted as the writing partner on a team that produced a book, "Beyond the Stained Glass: A Living History of First Baptist Church", which won the NC Baptist Convention's 2008 Gold Award for 1st Place History Book. In the early '90s, he and Evelyn took a partial sabbatical from FBC to help plant a new church, Christopher Road Baptist Church.

After retirement and into their 90s, J.A. and Evelyn spent their days visiting the sick and elderly, most of whom were younger than they were. They also traveled the world including most of Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Canada, Russia and China. J.A. wrote an opinion column for the Shelby Star, West's Point, for 12 years beginning in 1999. For several years, he was also a contributing columnist for the Charlotte Observer and the Gaston Gazette.

a aJ.A. is survived by his three daughters: Betsy West (Dee) of Charlotte; Kathy Lewis (Greg) of Greenville, SC; and Evelyn Ormond (John) of Wilmington--the Ormonds have been caring for J.A. at his home in Shelby for several years. He was also beloved by his grandchildren: Kate Altmix (Matt) and their four children, Marietta, GA; Daniel Lewis (Jessica) and their two children, Richmond Hill, GA; John-James Ormond (Jenny), Wilmington, NC; and Madeleine Ormond (Steven Heyen), Brooklyn, NY.

We are so grateful to Hospice, and especially to J.A.'s nurse, Joanie Mabry, who has become a member of the family, and to his wonderful CNA, Gaye Willis. Special thanks to Cathleen Webb, who cared for J.A. so lovingly during the final weeks of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150. Cecil Burton is handling burial arrangements. The family will be receiving at 121 Hillside Drive, Shelby. A private graveside service will be held, with a celebration of life to follow at a later date.

The graveside service for James can be viewed here.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.