James T. Rockett

James T. Rockett, 83, of Castlegate Dr., Morganton, NC died Friday, January 18, 2008 at Brian Center Nursing Care in Hickory, NC following a period of declining health. He was born October 27, 1924 in Burke County, NC, and was the son of the late Luther Theodore Rockett and Olar Mae Orders Rockett. James was a faithful servant of the Lord, and an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was a Tech Sergeant in the US Army, serving in the European Theatre with the 295th Heavy Ordinance Division during World War II. James was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11546. He was very grateful for his 35 years of employment at Great Lakes Carbon Corp. and the affiliation with his many co-workers. James was a great believer in physical fitness and tried to never miss his morning and afternoon walks at Bethel Park with his walking buddies. He was a polite and humble gentleman who always had a positive attitude. His family and friends nicknamed him "Mr. Sunshine".James is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Estaleen Digh Rockett; son, James Webb "Jim" Rockett and wife, Helen Mary, of Chino, CA; daughter, Margaret Ann "Meg" Rockett Wallis and husband, Charles, of Fort Worth, TX; grandchildren, Shea Ramsey, Rip Alejandro Rockett and wife, Lyudmila, Michael James Rockett and wife, Elizabeth, and John Wallace Rockett and family, Rebecca and Rachel; great grandchildren, Anastasia Rockett, Erin Elizabeth Rockett, and Abigail Jeane Rockett; and sisters, Iris Maye of Newton, NC, Katherine Head of Morganton, and Clare Smith and husband, Glenn, of West Point, Georgia.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Wilhemina Rockett Anderson and Mable Rockett.A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, January 26, 2008 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Larry Thompson officiating. Private family graveside services will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 407 S. Green St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.