James Ira Chrismon

James Ira Chrismon went home to his heavenly father on Monday, March 29, 2010, after a brief illness. He was 85 years old. A celebration of life and funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Central United Methodist Church, Family Life Center, Asheboro, NC with Rev. Dr. Mark Key officiating. Burial will follow with Masonic rites at Oaklawn Cemetery. He was born and raised in Ruffin, NC, was preceded in death by his parents, Holmer and Lavenia Harvelle Chrismon and graduated from Pfeiffer College with a degree in Accounting. He held several accounting positions before joining Walker Shoe Company in 1964, and retired as vice-president of research and development with 27 years of service. He was a very active and supportive member of Central United Methodist Church for over 60 years. He was instrumental in the fund raising project for the Sanctuary that was dedicated debt free in 1968 at the first service. More recently, he participated in fund raising for the new family life center "Forward in Faith" fund raising campaign. One of his many joys in working at the church was teaching the Builders Sunday School class for over 50 years and singing in the Chancel Choir. He was very interested in the youth of the community. He was a life member of Optimist International. He was elected the North Carolina Central District Governor of Optimist International and administered leadership training and scholarship programs for Optimist International, earning him a position in the Optimist Hall of Fame. He was a Mason for 61 years, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of Balfour Lodge #188. He held all offices in the lodge including several terms as master of the lodge. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kathryn Bradford Chrismon; son, Al Chrismon and his wife Cindy, and granddaughter Kaylie of Winston-Salem; daughter, Nada Winslow and her husband Worth of Asheboro; daughter, Rosa Chrismon of Raleigh. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Jim's church members and friends for all their acts of kindness as well as to Hospice of Randolph for the care given him during his illness. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Ave., Asheboro. Memorials may be made to Moving Forward Together campaign at Central United Methodist Church, 300 S. Main St., Asheboro, NC 27203 or Hospice of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204 or to the charity of donor's choice. Arrangements by Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro. Do not delete this line. It does not print. Text that is to appear on web must be entered before this line)