James Allen

Godley

It is with broken hearts we share the passing of James Allen Godley, 63, of New Bern, North Carolina, who passed away on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at his home. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend.

His funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2026, at Munden Funeral Home in Havelock, officiated by Pastor Jeff Nipple. The family will receive friends prior from 2 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow the service at the family home.

Born on August 22, 1963, in Greensboro, North Carolina, James eventually made his home in Havelock and later New Bern, North Carolina. He built a life rooted in family, hard work, friendships, and the people who meant the most to him.

James was a man whose personality was larger than life and whose heart was even bigger. He was the kind of man who never entered a room quietly, never hesitated to speak his mind, and never met a stranger. He had an opinion about just about everything, and he wasn’t afraid to share it! But behind that boisterous personality was a heart of gold, a genuine kindness, and a willingness to help anyone who needed him.

James’s greatest love story began long before he became a husband and father. He and his wife, Cindy Godley, were sweethearts since high school. What began as young love grew into a lifetime together. On July 7, 1984, they married and began building a life filled with love, family, laughter, challenges, and countless memories. For 42 years, they shared life’s joys and hardships, raised a family, and stood beside one another through every season of life. Cindy was not simply his wife; she was his first love, his lifelong companion, his best friend, and the woman with whom he shared his greatest adventures. Their story is a reminder that sometimes your first love really does become your forever love.

James was a hardworking and proud businessman who owned and operated Showplace Homes alongside his business partner, Hardy Randy Waddell. Through his years in construction, he took pride in his work, and in the homes and projects he helped create. His work was important to him, but the relationships he built along the way were just as meaningful.

Above all, James was a family man. He was a devoted father to his children, Tabetha Marie Taylor and her husband, Brandon Taylor; Jesse Godley; and Shianne Godley. He was also a very proud grandfather to Lucas Taylor, Cameron Taylor, Alex Godley, Maila Capps, Michael Capps, and Austin Capps. His grandchildren brought him tremendous joy, and each held a special place in his heart.

James is also survived by his father, James Godley Jr., and his sisters, Shirley Godley, Karen Kerr, and Tammy Godley. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Betty Godley.

One of the most remarkable chapters of James’s life was his courageous battle with cancer. James survived leukemia twice. He faced treatments, uncertainty, and challenges that would have tested anyone. He fought with a determination and strength that defined his character. What made James truly special was not simply that he survived his own battles, but what he chose to do afterwards.

Having experienced firsthand the fear and difficulty of fighting cancer, James developed a deep passion for helping others who were facing the same journey. He wanted to encourage them, lift their spirits, share his experiences, and remind them to keep their courage through treatment. He wanted others to know they were not alone and that there was always a reason to keep fighting. He understood their struggles because he had walked that road himself.

That was James. Even after fighting his own battles, he still found the strength and compassion to help someone else fight theirs. His greatest legacy may very well be the hope and encouragement he gave to people who needed it most.

And then there was James’s lifelong passion for the Las Vegas Raiders! His love for the Silver and Black was about as big as his personality. James proudly embraced his own Raider alter ego, Destruction #24, representing the spirit, loyalty, and toughness he admired in his team. The Raider Nation was more than just a football fan base to James; it was an extended family that brought him friendships, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. His passion for the Raiders was unmistakable, and his love for his Raider family will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

James lived life his own way. He was outspoken, funny, strong-willed, passionate, and never afraid to stand up for what he believed in. You always knew where you stood with James. He could make you laugh, challenge your opinion, and sometimes drive you a little crazy, but you could never question his heart. He was a stand-up kind of guy who believed in helping people, being loyal to those he loved, and making the most of the life he was given.

To know James was to know someone who left an impression. He made friendships that lasted a lifetime, shared stories that will be told for years, and touched more lives than he probably ever realized. His absence leaves an enormous hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many people who became part of his journey.

James fought like a warrior, loved like a champion, and lived life with a spirit that could never be duplicated. His fight with cancer may have been one of his greatest battles, but the love he gave, the courage he shared, and the lives he touched are what will define his legacy.

He will forever be loved, forever missed, and never forgotten.

Rest easy, James. Your fight is over, but your love and legacy live on.

JUST WIN, BABY!

Once a Raider, always a Raider.

In Lieu of Flowers: In keeping with James’s generous heart and his passion for helping others, the family would welcome memorial donations to organizations that support children and families affected by cancer, including:

• Dancers Against Cancer, through Attitude Dance Center, his daughter’s dance studio 
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Organizations dedicated to cancer research and finding better treatments and a cure
• 
  

Rather than flowers, a donation to one of these causes would be a beautiful way to honor James’s memory and continue the compassion he showed others throughout his life.

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

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Cremations in Havelock, NC.