Pastor James H. Gurganus

Pastor James H. Gurganus, 92, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor James’ life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 17th at Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Mitchell Parker, Rev. Freddie Braswell, Rev. David Charles Hansley, and Rev. Tony Russell. Interment will follow at Amariah Garner Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior.

James was born on May 31, 1932, in Hookerton, North Carolina, to the late Hilton and Pattie Mae Gurganus. Shortly after high school James entered the military and went on to honorably serve in both the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. 

Following his military service, James began a career in Civil Service at Cherry Point where he worked faithfully for 31 years. Upon his retirement, he held the position of an electrical and electronics general foreman.

A firm believer in giving back to the community, James was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and the Newport Consolidated School Alumni Association. His wisdom and participation were a great asset.

More than anything, James was a devoted man of faith whose life exemplified Christ’s love for others. In May of 1980, James answered the Lord’s prompting and became an ordained minister. With a shepherd’s heart, James pastored 5 churches in Eastern North Carolina and dedicated 24 years to directing the Young People’s Bible Conference at Cragmont in Black Mountain. Throughout his lifetime, James impacted family, friends, and countless individuals. In his later years, James was a member of Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church.

James’ legacy of strength and love lives on through his daughters, Norma Grant (Terry) of Newport, Dorla Pake of Emerald Isle, Christine “Chris” Ricks (Danny) of Newport, and Kathy Buttery (Jerry) of Newport. James was a devoted grandfather to Lucy Hill (Jason), Hillary Dewaratanawanich (Terry), Trey Ricks, Kelsey Pope (Chandler), Chase Pake (Frances), Madison Pake, Kaley Buttery (Kade Ciraulo), and Kara Buttery (Nathan Windley) and great-grandfather to Adelaide, Liam, Kinsley, Blair, Peyton, Zoey, and Sophia. James is also survived by his siblings, Florine Slaughter (Gilbert) and Phillip Gurganus (Mary); sister-in-law, Alstine Quinn Skinner; many beloved nieces and nephews; and special caregivers, Evelyn Eidell, Sharon Nelson, and Robin Hadine.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Alice “Deanne” Gurganus who passed away in 2023; son-in-law, Charles Pake; sister-in-law, Ethel Bush; and brothers-in-law, Lionel Quinn, Kenneth Skinner, and Richard Bush.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holly Springs FWB Church, 182 Holly Springs Rd., Newport, NC 28570 and Cragmont Assembly, 1233 N. Fork Rd., Black Mountain, NC 28711.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences.

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