James A. "Jim" Gartland, Sr.

James Allan “Jim” Gartland, Sr., 69, of Wake Forest, passed away Friday morning, August 5, 2022.  He was surrounded by his devoted wife, Charlotte, daughter, Apryl, son, James Jr. and daughter-in-law, Christy.  Also, loving brother, Dennis, sister-in-law, Donna, wife of his late brother Duane, and nephew Stephen, were there to share their love, support, and comfort. Jim was born in Johnstown, PA, the son of the late Dwina Bracken Gartland and John Gartland II. 

Jim truly was a “Jack of all trades and a Master of many!”  Besides becoming a Penn State Electrical Engineer graduate, at the age of 42, he had accumulated numerous certifications.  He was certified in auto mechanics, masonry, carpentry, HVAC technician, as well as, a skilled plumber and welder. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t build, fix, or restore. It was his passion working with his hands.

Before retiring, he worked as a carpenter for Ridge Homes and a steel worker, for U.S. Steel.  After getting his Engineering degree, he worked for Spiritech Waterjet Company and Apparatus Engineering.  After an early retirement in 2001, Jim and Charlotte moved as planned, from PA to NC, joining James and then Apryl coming shortly after.

In his early years, Jim was an avid hunter, fisherman, and bowler.  He loved playing sports with his son, especially football.  He willingly supported and enjoyed his daughter’s dance recitals and musical performances.  As a family, they enjoyed visiting different amusement parks, camping, playing cards/board games and cheering for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.  James Jr. introduced him to the online video game, Clash of Clans, and he was hooked.  They played for 10 years in the clan called “Hunters” and developed very close friendships, as Pops led the clan into battle.  He was obsessed, and his status as a Leader, Legend League Member, and “Dragon Master” was proof of his love of the game.

After retirement, Jim and Charlotte discovered cruising, when their children gave them a cruise for their 25th wedding anniversary.  They instantly caught the bug, and soon started cruising all over the world.  At the age of 20, Jim had promised “his wonderful beautiful wife, Chooch” as he called her, that he would be her “Vehicle” to take her anywhere she wanted to go, and he happily kept that promise and more!

Jim was a former member of the Scalp Level Church of the Brethren and present member of Rolesville Baptist Church

Jim will always be remembered for his deep love and devotion to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Always together sharing adventures, watching Steeler football, family vacations, playing Pickleball (which he loved) every day when the weather allowed, and most of all, expressing so much laughter and love to family and friends.  He had a boisterous, contagious laugh, filled with pure joy for life, family and his Lord, Jesus Christ.  He will be forever loved and missed!

A memorial service will be held at 11 o’clock, Saturday morning, August 13, 2022 at Rolesville Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Bridges officiating. A second service will be held in Windber, PA, at a later date.

Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Charlotte “Chooch” Gartland; daughter, Apryl Gartland and granddaughters, Sophia and Carina; son, James, Jr. married to Christy Berryhill and Grandson, Walker; brothers, John, Dennis and Dean; sister, Joni; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, that he loved very much. He was preceded in death by hisloving brother, Duane.

Please do not send flowers.  Due to Jim’s love of carpentry, it would be greatly appreciated if a memorial contribution was made in his name, to Rolesville Baptist Church “Building Fund”, P.O. Box 185, Rolesville, NC 27571 or www.rolesvillebaptist.org    A list of contributors will be given to the family for acknowledgment.

Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 – 10:45 Saturday morning preceding the service at 11:00 in the Family Life Center of Rolesville Baptist Church, 203 E Young Street  Rolesville, NC 27571

A service of Bright Funeral Home, Wake Forest 919-556-5811

www.brightfunerals.com