James Edgar Lutz, Jr., age 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 29, 2025, while surrounded by his loving family.

He is the son of the late James Edgar and Grace Rawlings Lutz.

Known for his vibrant personality and cheerful heart, Jim had a rare gift for bringing joy and laughter to those around him. His bright, spirited smile lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Jim valued and loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born in Shelby, North Carolina, Jim graduated from Shelby High School and Oak Ridge Military Institute in Guilford County. Upon graduation, he joined his father at Lutz Furniture, Inc. where he was the president and general manager for 30 years. He continued on in the furniture business as a sales representative until retirement.

Jim has been a faithful lifetime member of Central United Methodist Church, serving on many committees alongside his wife. In his early years, he was active in Rotary, Jaycees, and Kiwanis. Jim especially enjoyed the outdoors. He spent many hours maintaining his yard and planting flowers for his wife. He loved taking his boat, "The Sand Dollar", to the beach with his family, fishing with his son, son-in-law, and grandson, and taking his grandchildren hiking in the mountains.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of sixty-one wonderful years, Claudia Abernethy Lutz; his daughter, Elizabeth Lutz Bridges, and husband, Reid, and his son, James William Lutz, and wife, Julie; his five grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Jimmy", Emily Bridges Johnson and husband, Adam, Nancy Bridges and Michael Wicker, Katie Bridges, Grayson Lutz, and Logan Lutz; his sister, Linda Lutz Ware, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Shirley Abernethy, and many nieces and nephews; along with many loving friends and neighbors.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Central
United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, located at 200 E. Marion Street, Shelby, North Carolina.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.