James "Jimmy" Little, Jr.

James "Jimmy" Marshall Little, Jr., 76, of Midland, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Clear Creek Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Mint Hill.

Jimmy was born February 13, 1942 to the late James Marshall Little, Sr. and the late Helen Kathleen McEachern Little.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Carol Little Morrison and her husband, Wade Morrison.

Jimmy was born and raised in Midland, North Carolina in Cabarrus County.  His parents farmed cotton and had a cotton gin and small store on 24/27/Albemarle Rd.  He picked many rows of cotton as a boy, along with his sisters.  He attended Bethel School, and left to attend Oak Ridge Military Institute when he was in 8th grade.  Though he missed his many friends and classmates at Bethel, he thrived at Oak Ridge, and went on to become Battlegroup Commander of an entire corp of Cadets.  His lifelong friend, Van Harris stated that he ruled with “a firm hand and warm smile”.

In 1963, while on a blind date, he met the love of his life, Marian Gay.  Being 6’3”, he said he would never marry a “short” wife, but he quickly discovered that love comes in all sizes, as Marian was just 5’3”.  The happy couple welcomed their four beloved children in just 6 short years.  Jamey in 1964, Elizabeth Ann in 1966, Bob in 1969, and Trent in 1970.

In 1976, they built their dream home on the family farm where Jimmy was born.  Jimmy taught his children to cut firewood, grow gardens, and tend to farm animals, just as his father had taught him.  He instilled a deep love of the country life in his children.  In 1986, the grandchildren began arriving.  First, Jason, Summer in 1987, and Christopher and Mckenzie in 1990.  Life just got sweeter, as the grandparents often had the grandchildren spend the night and experience the same farm life their parents had grown to love, only the work load was lessened and the fun was increased.  The cousins loved to visit Mama and Poppy, ride the John Deere mule, take care of the cows and sheep, water the garden and pick vegetables.  Like all grandchildren do, they grew up and started adding great-grandchildren to the family.  In 2008, Jake was born, then in 2010, Sonora, 2012, Cori, 2014, Trinity, 2017, Cameron, Phoenix, and Addison.  Jimmy adored his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was so very proud of them all.

Though Jimmy viewed his family as his greatest accomplishment, he worked in sales for many years.  In 1991, he opened his own plumbing wholesale company, and Plumbers Wholesale Supply was born. His oldest son, Jamey, joined him in 1995, and continues to run the business today.  Jimmy also dabbled in farming and real estate, just as his daddy before him.

Jimmy was a lifelong member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where he served as Chairman of the Board of Stewards three different times.  He loved his church and his church family.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jason Shultz and the staff at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, the 7th floor Cancer Center at Novant Main, as well as the staff on 3c.  Special thanks goes to Clear Creek Rehab and Nursing Home for their love and kindness to Jimmy and the entire family.

The family will receive friends Sunday, April 15, 2018 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, at Hartsell Funeral Home, 13575 Broadway Ave., Midland.  The funeral service will be 11:00 am, Monday, Aprill 16, 2018 at Bethel United Methodist Church, 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, officiated by Rev. Mark Clontz.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Survivors include beloved wife of 54 years, Marian Gay Little; son, James "Jamey" Marshall Little, III and wife, Kelley; daughter, Elizabeth Ann Little McEachern and husband David; son, Robert "Bob" Lynwood Little; son, Henry "Trent" Little and fiancé Patty Combs; sister, Lillian Little Linder and husband Jerry;... and many nieces and nephews that he loved.  He is also survived by his six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.   Jason Kyle Little, Summer Little Krismanits, her husband, Paul, and their children, Jacob, Sonora, Cori, Trinity, and Phoenix; Mckenzie Hathcock Summers, her husband Daniel, and their son, Cameron; and Christopher Trent Little, his wife, Caroline, and their daughter, Addison, and Lennon and Cassie Callicutt.

Memorial donations may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142; or to a charity of your choice.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Little family.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.hartsellfh.com