Mr. James Hilliard DeHart

James “Jim” Hilliard DeHart, 76, of Salisbury died peacefully on June 23, 2013, surrounded by loving family and friends. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, June 29, 2013, at Milford Hills Baptist Church, the visitation to commence at 10:00 am, and the service at 12:00 pm with Rev. Dr. Jim Harris, officiating with remarks by Howard Platt, and Gary York of Mt. Airy. At 2:30 pm, the family will be at Newman Park, Catawba College’s baseball stadium and encourages anyone who wishes to attend to please join them in this celebration. The family will be at 212 Sheridan Dr. at other times. Jim was born on January 9, 1937, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to the late Harry Everett DeHart and Margaret Allen DeHart. Jim graduated from New Hanover High School in 1956, where he was a three sport athlete, competing on the baseball diamond, basketball court, and football field. He later pursued a career as a District Manager with The Life Insurance Company of Virginia, the predecessor company of Genworth Financial, which ultimately relocated Jim and his family to Salisbury in 1972, from Tampa Bay, Florida. Upon retiring, Jim followed his passion to coach baseball, which included coaching stints at various levels– little league, Salisbury High School, Catawba College, and finally the Rowan American Legion team, where he retired from coaching in 2000 after 11 seasons. Jim was a player’s coach, and his love for the game was only succeeded by his love for his players. Jim is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 56 years, Betty DeHart; two sisters, Betty Anderson and Barbara Young (Herbert); two brothers, Harry DeHart (Jean) and Freddie DeHart (Julie); three daughters, Debbie Haynes, Lori Dusenberry (Ken), and Kim Pryor (Jay); ten grandchildren, Jimmy Haynes (Kristen), Adam Haynes, Lindsey Haynes, Michael Dusenberry (Sara), Brandon Dusenberry, Jon Dusenberry, Brett Dagenhart, Jamie Dagenhart, Jake Pryor, and Katie Pryor; and one great-granddaughter, Olivia Haynes. In lieu of flowers, Jim wishes for all memorial contributions to be made to his grandson, Adam Haynes’, Hope Fund. Charitable tax-deductible donations should be made payable to “Haynes Hope Fund” and mailed to the following: Haynes Hope Fund, c/o Milford Hills Baptist Church, 1238 E. Colonial Drive, Salisbury, NC 28144 The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of Summersett Funeral Home, Milford Hills Baptist Church, Catawba College, Dr. William Downey of the Sanger Heart Institute at CMC, Charlotte and many, many others for their warm care and unfailing support during this time.

Mr. James Hilliard DeHart

January 9, 1937 - June 23, 2013