James Lawrence Earp

James Lawrence Earp, 77, of Smyrna, North Carolina, passed away on March 14, 2019, at Snug Harbor on Nelson Bay in Sea Level, North Carolina.

His memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Marshallberg Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Randy Moore.

Mr. Earp was born in Burlington, North Carolina to the late Mr. and Mrs. Otis William Earp.  “Jim” grew up in Northern Durham County and attended Northern Durham High School. He graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina in 1963, and returned to Durham to teach physical education and biology, and to coach football at Northern Durham High School.

After moving to Harker’s Island, Carteret County, North Carolina, he taught shop at Harker’s Island and Smyrna Schools.  Jim went on to teach in Carteret County for many years and became a beloved mentor and friend.  After he retired from teaching, Jim worked as the head of Carteret County Animal and Mosquito Control.

Jim loved the waterways of Carteret County, and was an avid fisherman and hunter, but more than anything, he loved the people of eastern Carteret County. He touched many lives, particularly the children he taught, coached and mentored. He will be missed.

He is survived by a daughter, three grandchildren, a sister and two brothers, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

The family will receive friends following the memorial service on Sunday, March 17, 2019, at Marshallberg Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to Down East Middle and Smyrna Elementary Schools, 174 Marshallberg Road, Smyrna, NC 28579.

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

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