James Leemon Cody

James Leemon Cody went home to be with Jesus and received His Heavenly reward on November 13, 2023, at the age of 87.  James was born in Gastonia, NC, in 1936, the 13th child of James and Nora Cody. He grew up on the Victory Mill Hill and had a poor, but joyful childhood.

At 18 years old James joined the U.S. Navy traveling all over the south Pacific working in the boiler room of the USS Boxer CV21. He told endless stories of his Navy tours, and was very proud that he earned status as a Shellback. While on leave, James met Mary Karriker in China Grove, NC, and after 2-years of correspondence and only 5 dates were engaged and married in 1958.  After being honorably discharged in 1958, James and Mary settled in Iron Station, NC, and raised their 3 daughters. 

James received Jesus as His personal Savior and Lord in 1961, and he and Mary served the Lord throughout their marriage.  For the last 10 years, James worshipped at Pearl Baptist Church which he considered to be the friendliest church he ever attended.  James was known for always giving testimony of the Lord’s healings, blessings, and salvation.  He never met a stranger and always looked for an opportunity to share the Gospel and give the gift of a wooden cross from Bethlehem, Israel.

James was the proud patriarch of a large family including his 3 daughters Kathy Loftin (Corky), Suzan Fonte (Bill), Carol Canipe, and 1 son Barney Smith (Vickie); 7 grandchildren, Kevin Loftin, Sean Laws, Michael Laws, Darrin Smith, Seth Canipe, Lauren McAlister, and Cody Smith; 18 great-grandchildren.

Services for James will be Sunday, November 19, 3:00pm, at Pearl Baptist Church, Iron Station, NC.  The family will receive visitors prior to the service starting at 1:30pm.  There will be no graveside service.

The pastors officiating the service are Dr Hugh Whitfield of Pearl Baptist Church and Dr Danny Penny of Stanley Pentecostal Church.

Flowers may be sent to Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly, NC. 

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