James "Jim" Pridgen

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James "Jim" Harry Pridgen, 75, of Concord, NC. Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. After a long and courageous battle with Corticobasal Degeneration, he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on May 31, 2024.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Concord, NC, on Friday, June 7. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. followed by Mass at 12:30. Guests are welcome to join the family in the parish hall for lunch and fellowship immediately following Mass.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of nearly 45 years, Julie Pridgen, and his five children and 10 grandchildren: Angela Lessor of Mooresville, NC and son, Ethan; Brian (Vicky Woo) Pridgen of San Francisco, CA and children, Tyler, Hailey and Julia; Keith (Jessica) Pridgen of Morristown, NJ; Brice (Kelley) Pridgen of Columbia, MD and children William, Mary Iris and Eddie; and Kyle (Carrie) Pridgen of Hanahan, SC and children Luke, Eloise and Alan. He is also survived by his sisters, Delores (Darrell) McHaney of Wilmington, NC, and Patricia Griffin of Asheboro, NC. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Winifred Pridgen and his older sister, Shirley Clemmons.

Jim was born on March 11, 1949, in Wilmington, NC. In his youth, he discovered his love of baseball and spent countless hours at the ball field where he played pitcher. Like many young boys, he wished to play in the big leagues when he grew up. After graduating from New Hanover High School, Jim enrolled in studies at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. His studies were cut short when he was called for service. Jim served his country in the US Navy on board the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Vietnam War. His dedication to service and love for his country were values he cherished deeply and passed on to his family. With skills he learned in the Navy, Jim began his lifelong career of working in the medical industry. He worked first as a technician servicing hospital laboratory equipment. It is here, in Columbia, SC, where his path would cross with the love of his life Julie who was working as a medical technologist. Jim’s career would take him from Columbia, SC, to Atlanta, GA, then to Chicago, IL, and on to Orlando, FL, and ultimately back to his beloved home state of North Carolina where he settled with his family in Concord. Jim worked the last 19 years of his career with Roche in medical sales of capital equipment to hospital laboratories until his retirement in 2012. He worked tirelessly for 40 years. His career and commitment to provide for his family often took him on the road. Despite this sacrifice, he never missed an important milestone in their lives and was often seen on the sidelines at his children’s soccer games.

Jim had a passion for learning, which he instilled in his children. He loved to stay up on all current events, even going as far as to know the local news of where his children were living. He was an avid reader and loved anything that had to do with historical people and events. If you rode in his car, you were sure to get a healthy dose of talk radio. He loved watching live sports of all kinds and although the house was divided, if truth be told, his loyalty was to Carolina basketball. He possessed a strong sense of adventure, leading his family on wide ranging trips to National Parks, mountain retreats, and relaxing beach vacations. In his final years, he made the effort to visit Europe once again, Alaska, San Francisco and Death Valley. He always considered others' interests above his own, was a strong moral authority, and encouraged others to reach their full potential.

A special thank you to Maureen and Sam Cawa for endlessly and generously helping our family during Jim’s illness and to Kelly Porcelli for the loving care she provided to Jim during the final months of his life.

Jim will be remembered as a man who dutifully fulfilled his vocation as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed. May he rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CurePSP (www.curepsp.org).