Mr. James Ervin Strickland, 73, of 308 Westside Dr., Shelby, NC passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2010. Services were held at Putnam Baptist Church. A Private Family Burial followed. 

Mr. Strickland was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Ida Mae Mayhen Strickland.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Martha Smith Strickland of the home; 1 son, Scott Strickland and wife Kim of Shelby; 2 daughters, Wendy Strickland Patterson and husband Darrell of Shelby, and Tina Ferrell and husband Eric of Kings Mountain; 2 sisters, Joyce Sweezy and husband F.C. and Nancy Kendrick and husband Joe, all of Shelby; 1 brother, Marvin Strickland of  Shelby; and 6 grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Putnam Baptist Church Building Fund, 1146 County Home Rd., Shelby, NC 28152; or to: The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 2391, Shelby, NC 28151.

Clay-Barnette Funeral Home, Shelby, NC is serving the family.