James Ernest Starmer Jr.

September 29, 1946 - April 29, 2022

Jim Starmer, 75, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, April 29, 2022. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, May 9, 2022, at West Market Street United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends immediately before the service, from 10:00 until 11:00 am. The interment will be private. On September 29, 1946, Jim was born in Greensboro to the late Ernest and Grace Starmer. He was a 1968 graduate and longtime friend of Wake Forest University, where he met Linda. They were married in 1969 and enjoyed 52 happy years of marriage. Jim served in the North Carolina Army National Guard, completing his service at the rank of Staff Sergeant. On July 1, 1969, he began his lifelong career at the Starmer family business, Dixie Sales Company, where he worked for 45 years. He served in various management positions, including over 25 years as President. With Jim's leadership and with the support of caring and skilled managers and employees, the business grew exponentially. Jim was known for his generous spirit and remarkable kindness. He had a profound impact on the lives of those he met. His extended family at Dixie Sales and in the outdoor power industry was especially significant. Jim was a staunch supporter of the Nature Conservancy’s work in western North Carolina. He took a personal interest in ensuring the preservation of the Big Yellow Mountain Preserve, a one-of-a-kind ecosystem in the Roan Highlands of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Especially after his retirement in 2014, Jim loved to travel. He and Linda visited the seven continents together, including a memorable trip to Alaska for their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019, accompanied by their granddaughters Anna and Katie. Jim loved to dote on Anna and Katie with his time, gifts, and through FaceTime calls. He helped them make unforgettable memories on trips together to the Outer Banks, Vermont, and Massachusetts. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his brother, Richard L. Starmer (Judith); son David L. Starmer (Amy) and granddaughters Anna and Katie Starmer; and innumerable extended family and friends. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nature Conservancy of North Carolina; 334 Blackwell St, Suite 300; Durham, NC 27701.