James C. "Jim" Reavis, Jr.

James C. "Jim" Reavis, Jr., 74, of Wedgewood Court, Morganton, NC died Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at his residence following a brief illness. Born in Wilkes County, NC on June 16, 1935, he was the son of the late James C. Reavis, Sr. and Ella Marlowe Reavis. James was a veteran of the U.S. Army.After graduating from N. C. State University he worked for S.G.L. Carbon for thirty-six years, retiring as senior engineer. He also served on the board of directors for the S.G.L. Morganton Credit Union. While employed at S.G.L., the company allowed him to be a corporate volunteer in math and science. He worked with the Energy Bowl and Math Counts at Hillcrest Elementary School and also volunteered at Liberty Middle School.Jim served on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity of Burke County, as Volunteer Coordinator, and on the Family Selection Committee. He enjoyed some manual work on the Habitat homes.Jim was involved with United Way of Burke County for more than fifteen years, serving on Budget and Allocations Committee as well as the Communication Committee. Additionally, he was involved with the Red Cross for many years, having served as Chairman of the local Red Cross for three years.Jim collected and recycled aluminum cans for over twenty five years, and donated the money he received to Hillcrest Elementary School. Reynolds Aluminum Co. recognized him for his efforts in recycling, community involvement, and recycling education. Jim was currently President of the Morganton Clean City Committee, which helps to make Morganton’s appearance better and litter free.Jim served as President of Friends of the Library and had served on the board of directors of the Burke County Public Library. He was currently serving as treasurer of the Library Foundation.He also served as a fundraiser for the Burke Mission Station as it was being founded.He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for several organizations and schools in Morganton, and enjoyed reading, travel, sports, and was an avid ham radio operator.Jim is survived by his wife, Lana Hix Reavis of the home; an aunt, Edna Sloope and her husband, Clyde, of North Wilkesboro, NC; a niece, Christy Carpenter; a nephew, Tim Carpenter; a brothers-in-law, William Hix and his wife, Martha, of Winston-Salem, NC, and J. W. Carpenter and wife, Sandra, of Marion, NC; and nieces and nephews from Lana’s famly, Martha Jon Siceloff and husband, Eric, Libby Gish and husband, Larry, Sandy Callison and husband, Mike, Frannie Bander and husband, Steve, and Lewis Elias, Jr. and wife, Reneé.In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a sister, Jo Ann Carpenter.The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2009 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Sydnor Thompson and Rev. Todd McCulloch officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.