James Arnold Sexton

Obituary: James Arnold Sexton, 83, of Kannapolis, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 6, 2019 when he was freed from his earthly body. Although legally blind for the last several years of his life, his firm Faith, quick smile, and lack of self-pity made him a joy to be around. His faith in God and the resurrection, along with his family, sustained him during the last days and weeks before his release. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Kannapolis at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Mr. Sexton will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 9, from 6:00 - 8:00pm at Whitley's Funeral Home in Kannapolis. He was born March 17th, 1936 to the late Foy and Marie Sexton of Kannapolis. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carolyn Earwood Sexton of 58 years, son, Michael James Sexton and two sisters, Gladys (Joe) Ervin and Shelby (Cecil) Hughes all of Kannapolis. Those left to celebrate his life and legacy include his daughter, Ginger (Matt) Zaremski of Denver, son Johnathan (Julie) and granddaughters Lillian and Elizabeth Sexton all of Mooresville. One of five children, he is also survived by Brothers Glen (Kay) Sexton of Mooresville, and Wayne (Katia) Sexton of Concord. He attended Landis high school and graduated from the American School in Chicago. He worked in Cannon Mills in the sewing room before being drafted into the United States Army, serving in the 168th Signal Corp and Strategic Missile Command at Fort Bragg, NC. Following military service he went to work for Kraft Foods (formerly Sealtest) as a truck driver and later advanced to Zone Distribution manager for the entire Eastern seaboard. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Kannapolis, where he and Carolyn were married on March 26th, 1961.before he lost his vision, he served as a deacon, worked in the food pantry, and always could be found ready to help in any church project. He particularly enjoyed his friends at their morning walk and breakfast group, Pat Cloninger, Bill Messer, Jim Odell and occasionally Monty Montgomery and Fred Steen. He loved the fellowship of his Sunday school class and the Keenager citizens group. James was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed. Online Condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
Visitation: 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. Tuesday July 9, 2019 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 2:00 P.M. Wednesday July 10, 2019 First Baptist Church Kannapolis, NC

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis, NC