James Blaine (Jim) Earls, 78, of Ellenboro, died Monday, June 14, 2021 at Atrium Health, Cleveland.

He was the son of the late Richard Blaine Earls, Sue Owens Earls Gettys, and Benny Gettys and was a native of Rutherford County. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Gettys; brother-in-law, Bobby Scoggins; nephew, John Billingsley; nieces, Cindy Scoggins Stone, Julia Elaine Scoggins, Mary Ann Kelly; father and mother in-law, Clemmer and Jessie Thomas; and many good friends.
He was a graduate of Chase High School and worked briefly in textiles, as a lineman for Pike Electric, and for 34 years at PPG industries. He grew up a poor country boy and learned the value of hard work at an early age and was proud of his nearly 30 years perfect attendance at PPG.
Jim was a man of strong faith and loved his church, Oak Grove, and church family. He was active in Methodist Men, the Fellowship Bible Class, served as head usher for many years, and was Layperson of the Year in 2000. Jim was always ready to help where he was needed. He loved his adopted church family in Closplint, Kentucky.

He loved the outdoors, fishing, mountain and beach trips, and friends and family gatherings. Jim enjoyed the simple things in life like television, good meals, or just a ride to look at cars, tractors, pastures, cows, or elk. Jim faced many health issues in the past fifteen years and faced them with dignity, grace, acceptance, and courage. Jim was the best PawPaw in the world. He was a good man.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lucy Earls; son Jamie Earls; daughter and son-in-law, Jennie and Jason Greenway; sisters, Cathy Corn (Houston) and Mattie Scoggins; brothers, Tommy Earls (Cathey); Ben Gettys, Jr. (Laurice); and Raymond Gettys (Sandra); and the greatest joy of his life, his grandchildren, Jessie Greenway, Will Greenway, Emma Earls, and Patrick Waters; sister-in-law, Anne Billingsley and her husband Bob; 21 nephews and nieces; 41 great nephews and nieces; 10 great, great nephews and nieces, and many special friends.

Funeral services were conducted at 4:00 on Friday, June18, 2021, at Oak Grove United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Glawson and Rev. David Hawkins officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers are Ed Benfield, Doug Biggerstaff, Chris Billingsley, Richard Billingsley, Russ Foote, Ronnie Harrill, Ronald Hutchins, and Johnny Sisk.
Visitation was from 5:00 until 7:00 on Thursday evening, June 17, at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home in Bostic.

Memorials may be made to Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1507 Oak Grove Church Road, Ellenboro, NC, 28040 designated to the Kentucky Mission Fund or United Methodist Men.
On-line condolences@www.washburndorsey.com.