James M. Bodiford, age 82, of Lumberton, NC, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Friday, July 12, 2024. James was born in Lumberton, NC to Harry Lee & Margaret (née Ivey) Bodiford on February 11, 1942. He was the oldest of five children.

James graduated from Lumberton High School where he enjoyed playing football. Following graduation, he, along with two buddies from high school, explored joining the military. He ultimately joined the U.S. Air Force in 1960 as a communications operator in Japan. Following his father's early passing, he transferred to Myrtle Beach, SC. He was on active duty from 1960-1964 and was discharged from the reserves in 1968.

James then began a career with Carolina Power & Light (CP&L), which spanned 42 years. He started working at the Weatherspoon Power Plant in Lumberton and then took a position with more responsibility at the H.F. Lee Power Plant in Goldsboro, NC. While working at CP&L (now Duke Energy), he earned his Bachelors degree in power plant engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He also enjoyed his time as a Boy Scout leader for his son's Boy Scout Troop 333.

He married the love of his life, Cynthia McCormick, in December 1965. They had two children: Kevin Bodiford (Liz) of Raleigh, NC and Heather Bodiford (Paul) of Lumberton, NC. They were later blessed with four grandchildren: Chelsea Floyd Walton (Tripp), Preston Floyd, Ryley Floyd, and James M. Bodiford (his namesake). He loved his family dearly, which was very evident by his support and guidance.

James is survived by his wife of 59 years, Cynthia; his two children and four grandchildren; two sisters, Harriet Britt (Mel) of Fairmont, NC and Mary Lewis (Howard) of Lumberton, NC; and two brothers, Gerald "Buddy" Bodiford (Martie Ann) of Lumberton, NC and Charles "Charlie" Bodiford (Pam) of Rocky Mount, NC. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and his lifelong friends from elementary school, J.I. Britt, David Bullock, and Johnny Floyd.

There will be a visitation held on Wednesday, July 17th from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Floyd Mortuary and Crematory. There will be a graveside following the visitation at 3:00 pm at Gardens of Faith Cemetery, Dr. Lynn Bullock, officiating.