James Thomas Rorie

“Wings up, heart high. Air Force pride, forever.”

2 Timothy 4: 7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

James Thomas Rorie, 73, of Kannapolis, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 25, 2024 at Tucker Hospice House, surrounded by his family.  James was born in Monroe, North Carolina to Earl and Patsy Rorie on February 15, 1951. He was the oldest of three siblings. He took his role of big brother seriously and made sure to take care of his brother Dennis Rorie and baby sister Dykie Hinson (David Hinson). He was a loving husband to his wife Tammy Rorie. James had one daughter Chrystal Rorie Brown (Chris Brown) who he loved dearly and raised as a single father.  He was thrilled to be a grandfather and loved to spend time with his granddaughter Madelyn Brown who he lovingly called “doodlebug.” He is preceded in death by his father Earl Rorie, his mother Patsy Rorie, and his brother Dennis Rorie.

James loved to spend time with his family and friends, animals, especially dogs, golfing, going to A. L. Brown High School football games on Friday nights, American Legion Baseball and Softball, making jokes, traveling the world, scary movies, and frequenting the Townhouse II and What-A-Burger.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force in active duty for four years (1969-1973). He was proud to be a Vietnam Veteran and loved to share stories of his experiences in service of his country. James also served both full-time and part-time as a Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air National Guard for 33 years (1973-2006). James was a Loadmaster and member of the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS) team.

After retirement, James worked as a civil servant for the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserves (ESGR). He was also an active member of the American Legion Beaver Pittman Post 115 serving as adjutant for the Legion. James was an avid supporter of the American Legion Baseball and Softball programs. He helped to advocate and form the American Legion Girls Softball program and served as the Senior Area Commissioner III for the American Legion Baseball program.

James loved living in Kannapolis. He served on the Kannapolis Christmas Parade board for many years. He could often be seen eating at local restaurants like Townhouse II, What-A-Burger, or Field House. He never met a stranger and would do anything to make someone laugh and was always ready to help someone in need. On most Fridays you could find him watching an A.L. Brown High School Football game, and once a month he enjoyed meeting his classmates from the A.L. Brown High School Class of 1969 for breakfast. James will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 from 1-3pm at Bethel Wesleyan Church with a funeral service to follow at 3pm.  Interment and military honors will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2024, 10am at Salisbury National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Atrium Health Hospice & Palliative Care Cabarrus, 5003 Hospice Ln, Kannapolis, NC 28081, www.atriumhealth.org or the Humane Society of Concord and Greater Cabarrus County, 2010 Wilshire Ct SW, Concord, NC 28025, www.cabarrushumanesociety.org .