Jim Long

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.