James Allen McDowell

James Allen McDowell, 71, of Morganton, NC died Thursday, January 4, 2018.  Born in Allegheny County, PA on July 23, 1946, he was the son of the late William McDowell and Helen Davis McDowell.  James was a member of Shiloh A.M.E. Church where he was president of the men’s choir, a former steward, and served as church Treasurer.  He served as a board member of the Lake James Community Center and was a former Lake James Volunteer Firefighter.  He was also a former treasurer of the Burke County Democratic Party and a member of the Burke County NAACP.  Mr. McDowell was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War and retired after working 36 years at SGL Carbon Corporation.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles, football, travelling, cruises, and was a big fan of NASCAR.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, James is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deloris Fulwood McDowell of the home; daughters, Nikki McDowell of Atlanta, GA and Dr. Kelli McDowell Wilson and husband, Kevin, of Springdale, MD; granddaughters, Kennedy and Lena Wilson; sisters, Diane McElrath and husband, Jeffery, of Morganton and Arlene Grimes and husband, James, of Silver Spring, MD; 10 nieces and nephews; and a number of cousins and close friends.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a sister, Elaine Powell; and a brother, William Timothy McDowell.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2018 at Shiloh A.M.E. Church.  The memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. in the church with the Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Johnson, Sr. and the Rev. Wayne Beatty officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the US Air Force.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh A.M.E. Church, 1323 N. Powerhouse Road, Morganton, NC 28655 or the Lake James Community Center, 4250 Alex’s Avenue, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.