James Wayne Abell

James Wayne Abell, 61, of Concord, NC, passed away unexpectedly Thursday February 22, 2018.  He suffers no more and rests in the arms of Jesus and the Blessed Mother Mary with whom he had a deep spiritual connection.  He was born on June 1, 1956 in Burlington, VT, son of Shirley (Aldrich) Abell and James Abell. 

Jim’s love of sports began with little league baseball where his father was his coach.  He also enjoyed hockey as a member of the inaugural Milton High School team where his dad started his tradition of always standing in the same spot wearing a bright red hat so his sons could easily find him to receive a “thumbs up”.  Jim spent his summers swimming in the pool, fishing on Lake Arrowhead, exploring the “Big Pines,” kicking the can, and playing TV tag.  Winters were spent playing hockey on the backyard ice rink both day and night.  His favorite time of year was deer and rabbit season at the camp in Wenlock built with love by the entire family.  He graduated from Milton High School in 1974. 

He worked at IBM in Essex Junction, VT, Charlotte, NC, and Poughkeepsie, NY, as a maintenance technician retiring after 30 years of service. He enjoyed playing golf at Rocky Ridge Golf Club and attending UVM hockey games.  In retirement Jim fulfilled his lifelong dream of building a cabin with his brothers in Java, VA, near his brother Greg and split his time between there and Concord, NC.  Jim will be forever missed with his generous heart and love of family, especially his sons Kristopher and Cory.

Jim was predeceased by his father James Abell, and sister and brother-in-law Kathy and Dan Bonfigli.  Jim is survived by his two sons and step-daughter Kanani Benjamin, mother Shirley Abell, sister Kimberly Abell Nicasio and husband Dan, brother and best friend Stephen Abell, brother Gregory Abell and wife Karen, and brother Mark Abell and wife Jill, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and 16 nieces and nephews. 

Visiting hours will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 on March 1, 2018 at Gordon Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant, NC.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Chavarria on Friday March 2, 2018 at 11:00 at St. James the Greater Catholic Church on 139 Manor Ave., Concord, NC.  Memorials may be directed to NCADD.org or St. James Catholic Church.