James Hardy Page's Obituary
James Hardy Page, better known as “Poppy” to four very special grandchildren, went home to be with his Lord and Savior April 5, 2022. James had spent 6 weeks in Pruitt Rehabilitation in Harrisburg, NC and had just returned to his home in Locust at 12:30 PM that day. James passed away at Atrium Stanly later that same day with his son, daughter, and loving wife by his side. He was 78 years old.
James was born January 16, 1944 to the late Emma Hill Page and Oscar Page. He grew up in the Ridgecrest community farming with his family. He graduated from Ridgecrest High School in 1962. He loved basketball and baseball and was the first baseman for the Ridgecrest baseball team during his high school career. His passion for and position on the baseball field would be carried down to his son, James Darryl Page. He loved attending his high school class reunions and reminiscing about those days. His teammates and classmates were special to him.
After graduating from high school, James joined many other young men in the community who worked to build the Tuckertown Dam. He was proud of his work and shared wondrous stories about that build and era. Later in life, James took multiple insurance courses and became an insurance salesman with Western Southern Life. In 1982, he shifted his course and began work with Eudy’s Cabinet Shop in Locust. Like baseball, he shared his love for building and creating with his son, Darryl, and the two opened their own cabinet shop in 1994. James and Darryl worked together for 20 years.
James proudly served in the United States Army Reserves in the 227 Transportation Unit out of Albemarle from 1963 until 1970.
James is survived by his amazing wife of 56 years, Brenda Morton Page. Not only was she his wife, she was his unfaltering caregiver for the last 12 years of his life. James and Brenda met at the Oakboro 4th of July Celebration in 1962. He asked her to ride the ferris wheel. She agreed as long as he promised not to shake their seat if the ride stopped. He always smiled when she told that story.
James is also survived by his daughter, Marsha Page Lovingood, her husband, Andy Lovingood of Hickory, and his son, James Darryl Page and his wife, Kim Page, of Stanfield. He was the proud “Poppy” to his four grandchildren, Taylor Lovingood, Mackenzie Page, Reece Lovingood, and Maclayne Page. He spent many Saturday and Sunday afternoons riding his grandkids around on his tractor. Other survivors include his sister, Dorothy Barringer of Rockwell and his brother Wayne Page of Albemarle.
James was preceded in death by his adorable Boston Terrier, Gracie. Even though Gracie was a gift for his wife, Brenda, he took Gracie on as his own dog. Until her recent death, Gracie could be found curled up beside James in his chair.
James also leaves behind his precious Golden Retriever, Bailey, who stayed by his side until his recent stay in rehab. If the weather was good, you would find James in his wheelchair on the front porch of his home checking his watch for the time, waving at every car that passed, and talking with Bailey. Although he didn’t like it when she barked, he loved and missed his faithful companion while he was gone. When James came home on Tuesday, he talked to her one last time before heading to his final home.
He loved visiting the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee. He enjoyed frog gigging, watching “Gun Smoke” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” Carolina basketball, roasting hotdogs, picking the banjo, and piddling with his Lionel toy train collection. If you knew James you quickly realized how much he liked a good, cold Mountain Dew and a pack of Lance peanut butter crackers. While he liked those, he loved a Snickers bar and chocolate cake.
James loved his family and all things mentioned, but he loved Jesus the most. His commitment to Bethel Baptist Church was evident to all who met him. He served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and treasurer of the church throughout his time there. His faithfulness carried on through his children and grandchildren.
Our family would like to thank the emergency workers and volunteers at Ridgecrest Volunteer Fire Department, the emergency staff at Atrium Stanly, Pastor Brian Bolding, and the wonderful friends who helped James on his journey “home.” We are so grateful for you.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Sunday, April 10, 2022 in the sanctuary of Bethel Baptist Church at 617 Bethel Church Road, Locust, NC 28097, with the Celebration of Life service immediately following. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be sent to the Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund.
Stanly Funeral of Locust is serving the family.
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