James "Jim" Wise

James “Jim” Wise, 84, of Morganton, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 4 ,2023.

Born in Burke County, NC on April 1, 1939, he was the son of the late Herman Wise and Ruth Rudisill Wise.

Jim was a hard-working truck driver and dedicated employee for Drexel Heritage and Henredon until they closed.

He enjoyed the simple things, like growing a big garden and giving everything out of it away. He was proud of his yard and keeping the grass mowed. If a neighbor was sick, he would mow their yard too. Jim never met a stranger and loved asking who their family was and where they were from. He assigned nicknames to his friends that stuck for life. “Night Rider” was his name on the CB radio but later that changed to Pappy after his first grandchild came along. He was the unofficial opener at Allison’s restaurant most mornings. He loved his Ford pickup, “Ol Blue.” He looked forward to the yearly fishing trips at Santee Cooper with the other drivers. He was the best storyteller around and gave better driving directions than a map. He was a member of Brookwood Baptist church. Jim served honorably in the United States Army in Berlin, Germany.

James is survived by his wife, Ruby Wise; daughter, Kathy Robinson; grandchildren, Sarah Robinson and James Robinson; brother, Robert “Bob” Wise; nieces, Barbara Miller, Jeanette Cline, and Robin Wise; nephews, Dennis Wise, Terry Wise, Johnny Wise, Jerry Wise, and Jeff Wise; and numerous cousins.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his brothers, David Wise and Jerry Wise.

The family will receive friends from 11 to 12 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The graveside service will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with Pastor Earl Cross officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Army National Guard and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.