Dr. James Willard Emerson

James Willard Emerson, 76, of High Rock Lake, passed away on 16 Jan. 2016 at Duke Hospital from complications after heart surgery. Born 9 June 1939 in Salisbury, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Frances Willard Emerson and Esther Barker Emerson. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years Sarah Holsclaw Emerson. Jim graduated from Boyden High School with the class of 1957. He earned a degree in Biology from Catawba College in 1961, and a Master’s Degree from Appalachian State University. He later earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He was also a graduate of the Harvard University JFK School of Government, as well as numerous Engineering, Chemical and Leadership schools. In 1982 Jim received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Catawba College. His 31 years in public education included middle school science teacher, Principal of Sterling Elementary School and Olympic High School. At the senior high level Jim won recognition as one of the 60 most effective principals in the nation. He ended his career as an Area Superintendent in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System. After retiring Jim helped to develop and later direct the STARBASE program for the state of North Carolina. Returning to Rowan County Jim served 8 years as a member and later Chairman of the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education. Jim spent 44 years in the Army National Guard and US Army. He first joined the Guard at age 16 returning to finish his senior year of high school after summer basic training. Jim completed Infantry Officers’ Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA in 1964. He was an Engineer Officer with command assignments at the company, battalion, group and brigade level. In 1997 Major General Emerson was appointed Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard, TRADOC at Ft. Monroe, Va. In 1999 he served the US Army with an appointment as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education, TRADOC, Ft. Monroe, VA. Major General Emerson’s military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was also awarded the Army Engineer Order of the deFleuy Medal for professional excellence. Dr. James Emerson received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor James Hunt. In his later years Jim was an avid golfer who had 7 hole in ones. He enjoyed Beekeeping with his son. and fishing off his pier. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 18 years, Bonnie Rufty Emerson and son Ike Emerson of the home. Jim’s bonus children are Geof and Christine Wilson of Cary, Kemp and Heather Wilson of Ft. Stewart, Ga. , and grandchildren Claire, Sadie, and Oliver Wilson. Jim is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Emerson of Winston-Salem and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements: Visitation at Summersett Funeral Home on Tuesday, 19 Jan. From 6-8:00 PM. Military burial on Wednesday, 20 Jan at 10:00 AM at the Historic National Cemetery, 202 Government Rd. (off South Main St.) followed at 11:00 by a memorial service at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 West Innes St., Salisbury. The family will receive friends after the service at the church in Peeler Hall. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the N.C. National Guard Association Education Foundation, ATTN: Ken Tyndall, 7410 Chapel Hill Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607; or The American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979 or online at heart.org.

Dr. James Willard Emerson

June 9, 1939 - January 16, 2016