James Ussery Jr., age 79, of Shelby NC, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, NC.

James better known as Jay was born on March, 22, 1944 in Shelby, NC. He was a member of Eskridge Grove Baptist Church until his health began to decline. He faithfully worked at Wix Filters for 27 years until his retirement in 2006.

In his earlier years, Jay cherished time spent hunting with his father. He also enjoyed watching women's basketball, westerns, and the National Geographic Channel. If you ever had the pleasure of being in his presence, then you know it was a time well spent. Jay loved to crack jokes, eat fried chicken, and trying his luck with scratch offs. Yet, above all, he treasured moments spent with his beloved family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Thompson Ussery; his siblings, Franklin Ussery, Leroy Ussery, Cherlene Shufford, and grandsons, Christopher Sylver, and Carlond Thompson.

Left to cherish his memories: his children. Sharlayne(Mike) Mintz, Andrea Mobley, Donald(Tangie) Ussery, Kevin Ussery, Jackie(Marlon) Sylver; grandchildren Demetruis(Lyndsay) Thompson Sr, Ashley McCluney, Nashieka(Keith) Brooks, Antonio Mason, DeAndra Mobley, Deidra Ussery, Keyshawn Stewart, Samantha Sylver, Camille Sylver; siblings, Annie Vera(Johnny) Hopper, Columbus Ussery, 17 great grand-children, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at Light Oak Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM until 12:00 and at other times at 204 Garden View Lane Shelby.