Sr. Jim Neader

The man who brought fast food to Statesville and Iredell County has died following a long illness. James Edward Neader Sr. of Mooresville died Monday morning at the Gordon Hospice House from complications of Parkinson's disease. Neader, 77, was the area's first McDonald's owner-operator starting with a single store in 1975 that he built into a chain of seven stores spanning five counties. Those stores are now run by his sons who continue to expand the operation. Jim Neader was born in Marietta, Ohio and graduated from St. Mary's High School there. A newspaper carrier and Eagle Scout, he also excelled at basketball. A wily ball-handler despite his small size, red-headed Neader was known in the local sports pages as the "Scarlet Flash" for his speed and uncanny ability to move the ball. Neader entered the U.S. Navy after graduation in 1952, serving four years including a tour in the Mediterranean. It was while stationed in Charleston, SC that he met Alice Hiott. They married after leaving the Navy in 1957. Fifty-four years later she was at his bedside with their four children when he died. Following the Navy, Neader attended Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, earning a degree in business administration. He worked several years for Weirton Steel in Wheeling, West Virginia, before entering the burger business as a manager for the local Burger Chef franchisee. With his attention to detail and concern for customer service Jim Neader was a fast food genius. When it came time to have a hamburger store of his own, Neader went with McDonalds, which he considered to be the industry leader. He was offered a store in Statesville, and so the family decided unanimously to move to North Carolina in 1974. That first store was followed by six more before Neader's retirement in 1998. Neader was very active in the Statesville community. He was on the board of directors of NationsBank NC, was Boss of the Year, received the Coveted Heart Association's Outstanding Service Award, the Governor's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, and was Citizen of the Year in 1994. He was an enthusiastic supporter of St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. Neader is survived by his wife Alice Neader of Mooresville, sons James Jr. (Jimmy) Neader of Statesville, Mike Neader and wife Melissa of Statesville, Brian Neader of Chapel Hill, and daughter Mary Alyce Stephens and husband Mark of Mooresville. His 10 grandchildren are Alexandria, Samantha, Ericka, Douglas, Eliza Kay, Nicholas, Jennie, Channing, Cole, and Fallon. His three great-grandchildren are Piper, Kayla, and Hunter. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. The service will begin at 11AM with the family receiving visitors starting at 9:30. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte or the Gordon Hospice House of Statesville. Online condolences can be made at www.nicholsonfunerals.com/obituaries Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Jim Edward Neader, Sr.