James Roberts Long
Mr. Long, 55, of Charlotte, NC, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2008 at CMC-Pineville. Memorial services in celebration of his life will be held 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Carmel Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bill Katibah officiating. Interment will be private at Lakeland Memorial Park, Monroe, NC.
Mr. Long was born on July 2, 1952, in Charlotte, NC, son to the late Samuel Long, Jr. and Maybelle Roberts Long. He grew up in Monroe, and graduated from Monroe High School. He attended Western Carolina University and was first employed at Carmel Country Club where he worked from 1974-1988 and became assistant course superintendent. Through Carmel Jim became acquainted with Smith Turf and Irrigation where he spent the last 20 years as an integral part of the company. Starting as a salesman in 1988, he advanced through the ranks to become IT Manager for STI, a position he held from 1997 until his death. Jim considered all his co-workers family and STI was a passion for him, not just a job. During the course of his career Jim held various offices and won numerous awards. In 1982 he was the president of N-S Turfgrass Association. Jim was the STI 1993 Salesman of the Year and Employee of the Year in 1998. As a trainer for STI Jim was recognized by the TORO company in 1994 with the National Service Network Blazer Award for customer care, training and support. He was a current advisory board member of Paetec, a national communications provider for broadband services. Jim was active in Cell Phones for Soldiers and established 30 donation sites throughout the Southeast. Through his initiative cell phones have been donated so far providing over 1000 hours of pre-paid phone service for our soldiers overseas.
Jim was a loyal Carolina Panthers fan, attending games whenever possible. He loved the water, whether water skiing, sailing or boating. Jim had a passion for cars, old or new, and was a collector of vintage Triumphs. Most importantly, Jim was a very kind, caring and humble Christian who never took a second or person for granted. He loved life, his family and friends and would give the shirt off his back to anyone who was in need. He will be remembered for his smile, sense of humor and laughter which he shared with all who knew him and most of all for his devotion to family and friends.
Survivors include siblings, Kathrine L. May and husband James Randall May, of High Point, NC, Samuel Long III and wife Virginia N. Long, of Charlotte, NC; nieces and nephews, Ian May of Washington, DC, Morgan May, Adam May, and Larkin May of High Point, NC, and Emilie Long, Brad Long, Matthew Long and Natasha Long of Charlotte, NC.
Memorials in memory of Mr. Long may be made to Cell Phones for Soldiers, South Shore Savings Bank, 400 Washington Street, Norwell, MA 02061 or www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com.
Arrangements for the family are in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, Weddington/Matthews Chapel. An online guest book is available at www.heritagefuneral.net.
The memorial service for James (Jim) Roberts Long will take place at 1:00 pm on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Carmel Presbyterian Church. The church is located at 2048 Carmel Road in Charlotte. His final resting place will be Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will be receiving friends immediately after the memorial service at a location away from the church.
It took me a while to really grasp the concept that Jim is no longer with us. I finally worked up the courage to post my condolence. I really was and am at a loss for words. I loved Jim like a brother and a friend and feel like I have lost a family member. Even though we did not always see eye to eye by the end of the day we made amends with a good piece of chocolate and a good conversation. Jim had many sides to him that most people did not get to see. My husband and I were lucky enough to have seen most of them. We all spent time together doing special things that Jim always made interesting. He always made sure I enjoyed myself and made me laugh. I have always kidded Jim and told him that because of him I was no longer a cheap date. He got me to try foods I would have never even thought about. He always had the taste for the finer liquors and wines, which thanks to him I have acquired a taste for. I learned a lot from Jim over the years at work. He took the time to show me how to do things the right way and not to take shortcuts. He loved his job and the people he worked with. He thought the world of the Smith’s and I really admired his knowledge and dedication to his job. It’s really hard to say bye to someone that I have spent the past 20 years saying good morning to and working with every day. I can’t really even begin to express in words how I feel at this time. He was truly a caring and compassion person. He loved the finer things in life and liked to share those with his friends. My husband and I will truly miss our good friend and will always treasure our memories of the time we spent with Jim. I am not going to say goodbye to Jim but wish him well on his new journey he has ahead of him. Jane DeBruhl
Jane DeBruhl 7 July, 2008
Growing up in North Carolina in the golf course irrigation industry, I had the fortune of meeting and working with Jim on many occasions. These were the times of the early OSMAC and computer central age. I always looked forward to the end of a job when Jim would come and perform his magic making a three month project come to life. I always admired him for his knowledge and his work ethic. I moved to Richmond nine years ago and lost touch with the Charlotte gang that I had come to know and depend on for so many years. When Smith Turf moved to Richmond, it almost felt like a homecoming to me. I have made some great friends in Richmond, but I particularly enjoyed the times of coming in and seeing an old friendly familiar face in Jim Long. No matter how busy we were at the time, he would always take a few moments to greet me as old friends do. I truly will miss that ever so friendly and familiar face. Jim possessed many wonderful qualities in which most of us would may never experience in our lifetime. I never saw him without a smile, a kind word, and always had a genuine concern for others. There have been many heart felt messages coming from grieving friends and coworkers which to me is a testament of what a truly wonderful person he was. Jim was a gem.
Eddie Thompson 3 July, 2008
It is difficult to fathom that we have lost Jim. His love of life, love of his friends, and love of STI, and the return of that love are the testaments of a life fully lived. He welcomed me four years ago when I joined Smith Turf, and I could see that he was in his element here. He was always smiling, always positive. I see his imprint everywhere here. It is marked upon everyone and everything he touched, which means he really is still with us. We are all richer for having known Jim, as we are all diminished by his passing. We miss you already, Jim.
Rick Miller 1 July, 2008
We are lucky enough to meet a few very special people during the course of our lives who's infectous joy for the pleasures of life, wether good food, unreliable British sports cars, or most importantly personal relationships make us better for having known them. You are most certainly one of them. From the first time we met shortly after joining Smith Turf Sandra and I have treasured the time spent sharing the many great resturants of Richmond. Today we begin a new tradition of toasting you at Kuba-Kuba, The Hill Cafe or even Mama-Zu's despite their inability to make a rusty nail (heavy on the Drambuie !). Although we cannot yet wrap our minds around the idea you are gone, you have by your nature and impact left us a special gift. People like you never leave because you have become woven in the collective experiences that define the difference between existing and living. You will be with us every time we laugh, maybe drink too much, and most importantly just plain enjoy life. Congratulation on a life truely lived, we love and will miss you. Ted and Sandra
Ted & Sandra Kienast 30 June, 2008
Mr. JimL was a very patient and forgiving man. His faith and persistance were second to no one. I'm grateful for the time I did have with him. He was a very very special man!!!! We miss you MR. Jim, keep watching over us..
Bill Leonard 28 June, 2008
