James Waters

CONCORD- James Howard "Jim" Waters, age 87, died November 23, 2021.

Born September 9, 1934 in Star, NC, he was the son of S.A. and Ruth McIntosh Waters. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, and a daughter-in-law Andrea Waters.
Jim graduated from Star High School and Wake Forest College. After serving in the Marine Corps, he began his career as a high school math teacher. He retired from the Social Security Administration having worked in Charlotte and Concord, NC and Georgetown, SC. After retirement, he became an investor and partner with his wife in two businesses – Country Crafts and Classic Creations.

A member of the Presbyterian faith, he served as a Deacon, Elder and Clerk of the Session. Jim was always at church on Sundays – that’s just what you did when you were a Christian. Jim enjoyed travel and was active in several motorcoach associations. But even after sixty-six trips, he never mastered backing into a camping spot. He visited most of the fifty states, seven foreign countries, and also enjoyed cruises. He loved the coast and made frequent visits to his place at North Myrtle Beach – walking on the beach and lounging in a beach chair, but only for two hours at a time. He was a supporter of the Arts and Stowe Botanical Gardens, enjoying many plays, concerts, and garden strolls through the years. He loved music and began playing the organ at age 16 in his church because no one else could. Jim loved dogs, always having one, two or three at a time. Jim also loved cars and seemed to trade them for the latest model annually. He was particularly proud of his first luxury vehicle, causing all to tease he’d be buried in it. He’s not.

Jim’s real fulfillment was from time spent with his family, friends, and pets. He met his wife Pat on a weekend home from Camp Lejeune at a Saturday night square dance. He “called on her” on Sunday. Then upon Pat’s return to college on Monday, she informed her roommate she’d met the man she was going to marry. They danced at every opportunity until the last couple of years.

Jim had a keen sense of humor and was even quick witted into his dementia years, telling the caregivers he was 104 and “old as dirt”. Jim liked for things to be neat and tidy. He could usually be found even in his retirement years wearing his khaki pants and white t-shirt, working outside, mowing the grass, or picking up trash along the road to his home.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Patricia Bost Waters; a daughter, Pam Waters Icard and husband, Mark of Harrisburg; two sons, Scott Waters and wife, Timisha of Concord, and Todd Waters; six grandchildren, Luke Icard, Matt Icard (wife Karsynn), Jared Waters, Caitlin Waters Broome (husband Adam), Kiristan Waters (fiancé Ryan) and Brittney Waters; one great grandson, Lawson Icard; his nephew, Michael Waters (wife Tonya), son Marshall; two much-loved dogs, Lilly and Mitzi.

Due to health concerns in these times, a private Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Concord and the Memorial Gardens Columbarium.

Jim’s family expresses a special thank you to The Haven at Highland Creek, and Tucker Hospice House for their loving care; and to dear friends for their visits to Jim, love, prayers, and acts of kindness these last four years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 789, Concord, NC 28026 or toward construction of The Center of Hope (homeless shelter), Salvation Army, PO Box 511, Concord, NC 28026.