James R. "Jim" Cass

James Ronald “Jim” Cass, 81, known for his work-ethic, dedication to his family, and punchy one-liners, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020 after a long illness. 

He was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on September 13, 1939 as an only-child to the late Dodson Beecher Cass and Pernie (Woodfin) Cass.  Jim graduated from Walkertown High School in 1957 and married his wife, Martha (Montgomery) Cass in 1960.  They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on December 26. 

He was selfless, working long hours for most of his life to build a future for his family.  He began his career working at RJ Reynold’s Tobacco Company in Winston Salem and worked there for thirty-four years.  He opened his first Tinder Box franchise at Hanes Mall in 1973 and, with the help of his children, grew his business to a series of stores in North and South Carolina.  He was not handed anything—rather, his success came from working hard and dedicating himself to whatever he was doing.

Jim was also a Past President of the Pfafftown Jaycees and an active organizer for the foundation for the Pop Warner Tiny Packers in Pfafftown. When he had free time, he spent time giving back to his community or with his family.  A fond memory of Pop is his weekend practice of washing his car by hand on a sunny day.    When he did have a second to himself, Pop enjoyed the simple things.  He liked to sit on his porch (for many years, accompanied by his signature pipe), petting his dogs (who were true family members), and of course, eating one of his “three squares” a day. 

He had the uncanny ability to quip the perfect one-liner for any situation, even well into his final days.  While he may not have always said it aloud, he loved his family fiercely and you could see the pride he felt for his children and grandchildren, and who they had become.  And, if one thing was for sure, you could always count on Pop when you needed him.  He never made a promise he could not fulfill, and if he said he would do it, you could consider it done.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a son, Craig (Loraine) Cass of Charlotte; daughter, Betsy (Christian) Yale of Myrtle Beach; two grandchildren, Crawford (Alaina) Cass of London, UK and Katie (William) Barnes of Charlotte; & three great-grandchildren, Miles Alexander Barnes, Elijah Channing Barnes, & Baby Boy Cass, who was just announced to Jim and will be born in June of 2021.  

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown, NC.

Memorials may be made to the Grand Strand Humane Society at  https://www.grandstrandhumanesociety.com/.

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