James "Rusty" Deal

James Russell "Rusty" Deal, 58, formally of Statesville, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016 at his residence in Asheville. He was born in Iredell County on July 18, 1958 to the late James Espie Deal, who passed away on December 18, 2002 and Peggy Russell Deal, who survives. Rusty attended Iredell County Schools and received his GED from Mitchell College. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 348 at Wesley United Methodist Church earning his Eagle Scout and also attended the National Jamboree on two occasions. Rusty served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force and was a disability retired mail handler with the U. S. Postal Service. He was a life-long member of Sharon Lutheran Church. Mr. Deal is survived by his mother Peggy, of Statesville; his long-time companion, Karen Jones of Asheville; and a number of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins A Celebration of Life Service will be held 3:00 pm Thursday, October 13, 2016 at Sharon Lutheran Church with Rev. Gene Bruce officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sharon Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, 2116 Island Ford Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or to the Iredell County Humane Society, 110 Robinson Road, Mooresville, NC 28117. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.