James Bruce Cantrell

James B. "Jim" Cantrell, of Stanley passed away on November 10, 2025. He was born on May 11, 1945 into a family which eventually consisted of six boys and two girls. 

Jim was preceded in death by an infant daughter Susan E. Cantrell, his parents Nell Ballard Cantrell and Edgar A. Cantrell, five brothers, one sister and his Father and Mother in law Jim and Naomi Cannon.

James and his wife Sharon Cannon Cantrell were married 59 years and proud parents of two sons James W. Cantrell (Grace) and Brent E. Cantrell (Heather). Jim is also survived by his sister Diane along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was brought up in the  Freewill Baptist Children's home in Middlesex, NC where his was a member of a family of approximately 100 brothers and sisters. He graduated from Middlesex High School in 1964. Jim joined the US Army and was Honorably Discharged in 1970. He was employed by Gaston County Dye Machine Company for 35 years. Most recently Jim worked at the Gaston County Recycling Center (Philadelphia Church Road facility).

Jim was a sports enthusiast but especially a die-hard North Carolina Tarheel and Atlanta Braves fan. He also pulled hard for the Carolina Panthers.

A service to Celebrate the life of Jim Cantrell will be held at 12 Noon Saturday November 15, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church Common Ground, 5841 Hickory Grove Road, Stanley NC., with Pastor Brian Elwell officiating. The family will greet guests beginning at 11:00 a.m.  

The family requests donations be made to the FUMC Common Ground Food Pantry in lieu of flowers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Bruce Cantrell, please visit our floral store.