James Douglas Lewis Rose

James Douglas Lewis Rose (Jim), 85, of Pine Knoll Shores, passed away on Friday, February 4, 2022, at his home.

His funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 26th, at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by his grandson, Jacob Robbins. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends an hour prior.  For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.                (See link below for the Service Bulletin including the Order of Service.)

Jim Rose’s life was characterized by unrelenting positivity. He believed in showing up for family and friends, attempting to capture their most important life events on film. He treated everyone as an equal and would enter into conversation with whomever needed to talk or required a listening ear. He was merciful and vigorous in defending people – accepting them for who they were. He never said anything bad about another person. He never complained. Neighbors and passersby would frequently find him sitting on the front porch, ”floating” (his own personal trademark for relaxing) with a cup of coffee in his hand and a ready smile. Everybody received a double peace sign and an encouraging endorsement of “Fabulous, Fabulous - Excellent, Excellent!”

James was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina, on November 23, 1936, to the late Spurgeon and Florence Rose. He went on to receive a degree in Chemistry at Wake Forest and serve in the US Army.  His science skills were applied while he worked as a teacher and administrator in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area – starting his family there. The family later moved to Rockford, Illinois – where Jim worked as an assistant head master, later transitioning to his final employment as a supervisor at Dana Corporation. After the passing of his first wife, Mary Ruth Rose, James pursued some of his personal passions – spending time competitive ballroom dancing, singing with his siblings as part of the Smoky Mountain Chorale around the world, and attending four different Olympics (Japan, Atlanta, Australia, & Greece).  He also revisited his love of learning by returning to college where he was chosen to deliver the commencement speech at graduation. Citius - Altius - Fortius (Faster - Higher - Stronger) were the words with which James spurred on his fellow pupils.

Later, James and Frances rekindled their friendship. They had been High School sweethearts. Their friendship blossomed into a romance and they would travel to meet one another. On their first date, Frances wore the golden football charm he had given her from his last football bowl game at Gray High School. That sealed the deal. James returned home to North Carolina permanently to marry Frances on June 21, 2008.

He called North Carolina “Paradise. This is the best place to live in the world… you can be at the mountains and drive to the beach all in a single day.” Frances and Jim shared homes in the mountains, in the foothills, and at the coast. He loved all three places; yet, still held a particular fondness for Lake Junaluska. James purchased his family home there and he had a library filled with favorite books, heirlooms, photos, and memories in which he would delight every chance he could visit.

Jim and Frances enjoyed many wonderful adventures together! Frances stated, “We loved traveling together and dancing. He was always so kind - Jim would dance with my Inner Wheel friends, too.” They were active members of LaDanse in Hickory. Every other year they returned to their Honeymoon spot in Bryson City to celebrate their anniversary. He would buy her Swarovski crystal, and they would celebrate the sparkle of their relationship. They even re-enacted their first kiss on the steps of their alma mater during their H.S. Reunion. Jim and Frances shared a tender love. Their favorite trip was to the Holy Land in Israel where they followed the footsteps of Jesus.

Dad died peacefully with his head in Frances’ lap at 7:15 am on Friday, February 4, 2022, just after the sun rose. He was immediately reunited with our mother, Mary Ruth Rose, at the Eastern Gate in Heaven - where he promised he would meet her 32 years ago (August 1990) before she passed away. We are blessed to have so many wonderful parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Parker Rose.

Children: John Sinnett, Jr. (Suzanne), Thomas Sinnett (Gail), Drew Sinnett (deceased), Michael Dwiggins (Martha), Julie Wheeler (John), Nancy Tharpe (Dirk), and Francie Carney (Christopher).

Grandchildren: Garrett Holloway, Matt Holloway (deceased), Rachel Carney, Maddie Carney, Barr Tharpe, Mary Neil Tharpe, and Will Carney.

Great-Grandchild: Kirah Holloway.

Siblings: Charmione Jones (deceased), (Don – deceased), Betty Lou Hubbard (Willie), and Mark Rose (Gail).

Daughters: Mary Elizabeth Robbins (Warren) and Charmione Dawn Marcell (Tyler).

Grandchildren: Daniel Robbins (Karen), Carolyn Davis (Josiah), Rachel Green (Thomas), Arianna Marcell, Jacob Robbins (Hayley), Caleb Robbins (Ariela), Joshua Robbins (Cassidy), Rinnah Sykes (Zachary), Rebekah Robbins, and Samuel Robbins.

Great-Grandchildren: Gianna Davis, Zara Davis, David Robbins, Jacob Robbins, Eliana Robbins, Jude Robbins, Liam Robbins, Elizabeth Green, Renee Robbins, Mary Anne Robbins, Matthew Robbins, and Caroline Green.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net .

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.