James "Jim" David McPhail

James "Jim" David McPhail, born on May 20, 1932 in Sampson County, North Carolina, was called to his eternal home on May 13, 2025, at the Edgecombe Health Center in Tarboro, North Carolina. His life reflected the steadfast spirit and dedication of a man who honored his commitments, both to his family and his profession. He is preceded in death by his parents William Lester McPhail and Norma Pope McPhail, as well as his brothers William L. McPhail, Jr., Kenneth M. McPhail, and Thomas E. McPhail.

As a loving husband and devoted father, James McPhail leaves behind his devoted wife, Mary Drew McPhail; his daughter, Karen M. Jones of Asheville, NC, and his son, James David McPhail, Jr of Hilton Head Island, SC. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Katherine Jones and Rebecca Jones. His family will continue to carry the values and lessons imparted by their father, ensuring that his legacy of kindness, integrity, and perseverance continues through future generations.

After his graduation from Louisburg College, Jim McPhail served in the US Army in the role of Private First Class. Always a proud veteran, Jim served in the army from November 2, 1953, until his honorable discharge on March 2, 1954. Upon completion of his service, he continued his education at Atlantic Christian College in Wilson, NC.

He married Mary Drew McPhail, the love of his life, in 1954. They made their new home in Wilson, NC, where he began his career as a traffic manager. Jim and his wife later made their permanent home in Tarboro, NC where they shared their life’s journey with their family and friends.. Their enduring bond is a testament to the deep connection they cherished.

Jim McPhail excelled in athletics throughout his lifetime. Participating in sports in high school, he began to play baseball with a semi-professional team in Wallace, NC. His also played basketball, receiving and attending Louisburg College on a basketball scholarship. He continued his love of sports as a Little League Baseball coach in Tarboro. In addition, Jim spent many years on the football fields and basketball courts as a regional referee.

He was also an outdoor sportsman as he fished and hunted wild game. He started his adventures on the family farm and continued to fish and hunt through his lifetime.

Jim also loved to play golf. Playing with friends and family, he spent many days on the golf course pursuing personal pleasure and tournaments. He was quite a sportsman in many ways.

His faith and church family were always important to him. The McPhail family were lifetime members of St. James United Methodist Church. He was active in church activities such as teaching Sunday School and was a member of the United Methodist Men in the church. He extended his contributions to the community as an active member of the Golden Kiwanis Club.

Though Jim McPhail has departed from this world, his memory will persist in the hearts of his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be welcomed into the embrace of eternal peace and love with his Lord.

In celebrating Jim’s life, we remember a man who enriched our lives with his compassion, whether as a mentor at work or a guide at home. He will be profoundly missed, but the memories of his laughter and wisdom will forever echo in the lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 211 E, St. James St, Tarboro, NC 27886.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Carter Funeral Home, 111 N. Ingold Ave., Garland, NC. Interment to follow at the Garland Cemetery. 

Services have been provided by Carter Funeral Home, 111 N. Ingold Ave., Garland, NC www.carterfh.com