James Robert Preddy, Sr.

James “Jim” Robert Preddy, Sr., 84, of Concord, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at his residence.

Funeral services will be 3:00pm Sunday, February 3, at Cold Springs United Methodist Church, with Rev. Dr. Tony Bell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The Preddy family will receive friends from 4-6 on Saturday, February 2 at the church.

James was born June 18, 1934 in Guilford County, son of the late William Jasper Preddy and Bessie Lee Dean Preddy.  He married Exie Anne Walker Preddy on December 26, 1952 and they were together for 59 years.  Exie died on December 12, 2012.  Jim spent his career and supported his family as a long distance truck driver.  The family moved to Cabarrus County in the mid 1960’s when Jim worked with Central Motor Lines, Johnson Motor Lines and later was an owner/operator of Rapid Transport.  At retirement, he was a local driver with Old Dominion.  Not one to sit around, Jim took on the role of groundskeeper for Cold Springs United Methodist where he had many friends and served the church until December 2018.  

He was the father of Janet Preddy Hollopeter (Warren), Cindy Preddy Love (Randy), James Robert Preddy, Jr.(Barbara), David L. Preddy (Johnette) and Mark S. Preddy (Gindy).  He was “Papaw” to 8 grandchildren, Joseph Hollopeter, Noah(Whitney) Hollopeter, Gabrielle Hollopeter, Heather Love, Jeremy Love, Justin Preddy, Benjamin Preddy, Gordon Preddy (Brooke), great grandchildren Emma, Lyla and Owen Sanders.  Jim has one surviving brother, Herman E. Preddy (Jean) of Rochester, NY.   He is also survived by Susie Blalock (Phil) and Gloria Beaver (Earl).

 In lieu of flowers and to honor Jim’s wishes, the family ask that donations be made to Cold Springs United Methodist Church Grounds Maintenance Fund, 2550 Cold Springs Rd., Concord, NC 28025.