James "Stan" Northrup

J. Stanton Northrup, Jr., 92, died July 20, 2020 at Plantation Estates in Charlotte, N.C. Born in Concord, N.C., he attended school there, except for a stint as a page in the U.S. House of Representatives. Upon graduation from Concord High School at the age of 17, he entered the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid, an aircraft carrier, until the end of WWII. After release from active duty, he entered the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and the Gorgon’s Head Lodge. Stan graduated in 1950 with a BSBA from the School of Business. He later took post graduate courses at Belmont Abby College in Interstate Commerce Law and was licensed to practice cases before the Interstate Commerce Commission.

At Chapel Hill, Stan met a beautiful coed on November 11, 1948 while sitting at Y Court. When he took her hand in greeting he held on a long time, and it turned out to be forever. He married Judy in 1951 and they spent 72 years together. Judy died six months ago, so now they are reunited.

Stan joined the U.S. Marine Corps reserve in 1947 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in 1951. He spent 23 months as a Marine, attaining the rank of Captain. Once a Marine, always a Marine and Stan was proud of his service in the Corps.
Stan spent most of his career in the motor freight business in sales. He worked 23 years at Akers Motor Lines rising to VP of National Accounts. He joined Yellow Freight System and was promoted to Manager-National accounts (Southeast US). Stan retired in 1993 and loved having much more time for his lifelong pursuit of golf. He volunteered for many years at Presbyterian Hospital in the Recovery Room of Inpatient Surgery. His outgoing personality and jokes made him a favorite of the hospital staff and the patients. He was a lifetime member of the UNC Alumni Association, a member of the Myers Park United Methodist Church and a former member of Carmel Country Club.

Stan was a 6th generation North Carolinian and his family settled near Poplar Tent in the mid 1700’s. He was the son of J. Stanton and Elizabeth Harris Northrup He is survived by his daughter Susan Landergan (Kevin) of Lynchburg Va, his son Jim Northrup (Barbie), four grandchildren Molly Landergan, Brian Landergan, Andrew Northrup (Ginny), Sarah Northrup, sister-in-law Anne Nielsen (Niel), niece Bre Crowell (Jeff), nephews Mark Nielsen, David Nielsen (Amy) and Timothy Nielsen (Monika).

Stan was a joy to all who knew him. He was fun and enjoyed life. He was at his best telling great stories at family gatherings for the pleasure of all. Although he declined in his last few years as a result of dementia, he loved to make everyone laugh. As one of his caregivers said, “his body is failing, but he still has that sweet spirit”.
His family thanks his hospice nurse Melanie, and all his caregivers especially Vernona and Susan in Cedar Ridge at Plantation Estates for their loving care of Stan.

In Stan’s memory, make someone laugh today, tell a great story and just enjoy life. When it is safe to do so, a family graveside service will be held in Concord at Oakwood Cemetery.

On-line condolences may be left at www.wilkinsonfuneralhome.com
Wilkinson Funeral Home assisting the Northrup family.