Jim Godfrey

Mr. Jim Godfrey, 88, of Statesville, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Iredell Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Iredell County on October 21, 1927, he was a son of the late Marshall Lee Godfrey and Carrie Belle Hartness Godfrey. He moved to New Jersey following his graduation from Scotts High School in 1945. While a student at Scotts, he played basketball and baseball. He lived in Ship Bottom, New Jersey for 50 years, returning to Statesville in 1990. Mr. Godfrey owned and operated Barnegat City Fishery with his brothers for many years. He also was a service station operator before retiring in 1990. After returning to Statesville, Mr. Godfrey was employed by Statesville Auto Auction. He served his country in the Merchant Marines and U. S. Army from 1952 to 1954. Mr. Godfrey was a lifetime member of the Ship Bottom Volunteer Fire Co., a member of the Manahawkin Elks Lodge, and a member of Masonic Lodge # 286 A.F. & A.M. in Beach Haven, New Jersey. He was also a member of Monticello United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, along with his wife of 48 years, Patricia M. Godfrey, one son, Steve Godfrey and 8 siblings. Survivors include one daughter, Linda Brownlee and husband John, of Llano, Texas, a daughter-in-law, Patricia Godfrey of Galloway, New Jersey, and three grandchildren: Samantha Gormley and husband, Phil, of Galloway, New Jersey, J. Scott Brownlee of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Stephen Brownlee of College Station, Texas along with one great grandson, Elijah Gormley. He is also survived by two sisters: Marjorie Kilpatrick and Mary Ruth Godfrey, both of Troutman, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Godfrey of Ship Bottom, New Jersey, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Services celebrating Mr. Godfrey's life will be conducted at 12:00 P.M. Monday, at Monticello United Methodist Church with Rev. Jill Rinehart officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 12:00 prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online to the family to www.nicholsonfunerals.com. Memorials may be given to Monticello United Methodist Church, 308 Island Ford Rd., Statesville, N.C. 28625. Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.