James Braxton Speight, Jr.

James Braxton Speight Jr. passed away suddenly in his home on August 11th, 2024, due to complications with epilepsy. He was 70 years old. Known by close friends and family as Jamie, later in his life, he preferred to be addressed as Jim. He was born in Durham, NC, on April 16, 1954.

He is survived by two children, Joseph Andrew Speight of Raleigh, NC, and Steven Braxton Speight of Fayetteville, NC. Preceded in death by Mary Ernestine Taylor, Mother (6/9/23), and James Braxton Speight, Father (12/6/90). He is also survived by three siblings, Janice Leigh Debo of Redmond, OR, Jerry Robert Speight of Sanford, NC, and Judith Louise Gillikin of Fayetteville, NC.

Jim graduated from Louisburg College with an Associate's Degree and Pembroke State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He was employed at McCain Prison in Raeford, NC, as a Correctional Counselor, and later was a substitute teacher at various Moore Country schools, including Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, NC. Over his adult life, he resided in Aberdeen, Southern Pines, Whispering Pines, Cameron, Sanford, and Fayetteville, NC.

He had a passion for theater, beginning in high school where he attended and graduated from Person Senior High School in Roxboro, NC. He acted in several plays in Southern Pines, including a role in “Annie”, and the role of Wimpy in “Popeye”. In addition to his passion for the theater, he loved music and was a part of the chorus in high school.

There will be a private service by request of the family. Jim was a progressive person who cared deeply about the planet, so the family has chosen aquamation, which is an eco-friendly, water-based alternative to cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Epilepsy Foundation North Carolina.

https://www.epilepsy.com/local/north-carolina

Jim enjoyed people and had a heart of gold. You could say he never met a stranger, as he was nice and friendly to anyone he would meet. He was known to often help others in need, even when he couldn’t afford to. Jim always loved “The Andy Griffith Show”, and it was frequently a source of his jokes to make people laugh. His laugh, silliness, and friendliness were contagious, he loved to talk to people, and loved to laugh at good jokes, including his own. He also loved Duke Basketball and Carolina Panthers Football. He will be remembered in the hearts of everyone who knew him as a kind and gentle soul with deep empathy for others, a great sense of humor, and a sweet demeanor. Jim Speight will truly be missed by many, and the family greatly appreciates your condolences.

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