James Eborn Pilley, Jr.

James Eborn Pilley, Jr., son of James and Geneva Pilley and husband of Joyce Pilley, passed peacefully from this world on April 30, 2014.

Born on August 28, 1924, he grew up in Tarboro, NC, and joined the U.S. Army on February 5, 1943, serving with distinction during WWII in Patton’s Spearheaders, the 737 Tank Battalion.  After the war, he moved to Norfolk, VA, in 1948 and then to Princess Anne County (later Virginia Beach) in 1951.

He was a kitchen planner and estimator for Sears Roebuck from 1959 to 1983.  After retiring from Sears, he started General Jim’s Catering and served the finest North Carolina barbecue in a 100-mile radius.

He was a charter member of Thalia United Methodist Church and actively served as usher, greeter and church officer.

In 2000 he and Joyce finally retired to Minnesott Beach, NC to be by her son, Warren and his wife, Lila.

An active member of the American Legion, over the years he was post commander of Post 113 several times, State Commander for Virginia twice and Counselor and Chief Counselor of American Legion Boy’s State of Virginia for 35 years.  Always proud of his service to his country, he regularly attended 737 Tank Battalion reunions.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce, his daughter, Sue, his son, Doug, his stepson, Warren and grandchildren, Timothy, John, Sharon, Katelyn and Casey.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Arapahoe United Methodist Church in Minnesott Beach on Route 306.

Jim brought light and much laughter to everyone he knew.  The family asks that you remember him fondly with a smile, because he always wanted to leave us laughing.