James Wiles

James Richard Wiles, 95, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021 at his home.

A memorial service will be held at Bethel Wesleyan Church, 4036 Old Salisbury-Concord Rd, Kannapolis, NC. The family will receive friends at 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 22nd, Rev. Joe Harding officiant.

James was born in Cabarrus County on May 27, 1925 to the late Richard Gordan and Weddie Lee Wiles. He was proceeded in death by four sons, David, Rick, James F. and Steve Wiles.

He was WWII Veteran of the U.S. Army; he was in the 79th Infantry Division Headquarters Company and served on a 57mm anti-tank gun crew. They landed at the Utah Beach in France a few days after D-day and saw considerable action, loosing several members of his platoon. They fought across France to the German border, along the way he was wounded and received the Purple Heart medal. At the most Eastern border of France and Germany he was captured in Dreusenheim and was a POW, held for 99 days. After the war ended, he was honorably discharged and returned home to Kannapolis where he married and raised a family. He worked for Cannon Mills as a brick mason until his retirement.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, farming, raising cows, and being outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Irene Nagy Wiles; two sons Paul (Johnette) and John Wiles; five grandchildren Dawn (Dale) Eudy, Tina (Tony) Earley, Mindy Wiles, Alex (Ashley) and Drew Wiles as well as eight great grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, PVA; Donation Processing Center, P.O. Box 7585589, Topeka KS 66675-8589.