Obituary: James Watkins Futrell

James Watkins Futrell

Seven Springs-James Watkins “Jim” Futrell, 76, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Snow Hill Memory Care. Born on November 24, 1948 in Wayne County, was the son of the late Willie Miller Futrell and Ellen Watkins Futrell.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Patsy Aycock.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda Woodard Futrell, which in only a few days he would be celebrating 55 years of marriage with; his son, Kenneth and wife, Bonnie of Kinston; grandsons, Hunter of Vancouver Washington and Zach Marshburn of Kinston; Godson, Charly Morales of San Pedro Sula Honduras; brother, Fred Futrell and wife, Jean of La Grange; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the Mama Tara Miskito Orphanage Family.

Jim worked at Waukesha, formerly known as Hevi-Duty Electric in Goldsboro for almost 25 years. He had also worked at Lenoir Memorial Hospital for 5 years. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was a member of American Legion Post 103. He was a member of Union Baptist Church, attending faithfully until his health no longer allowed him to join his church family for worship. Later in life, Jim went back to college at the University of Mount Olive, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Religion and became an Ordained Minister of the Gospel. Jim has served as pastor of several churches, before that he started preaching on mission trips to Honduras. He decided that he would be a short-term missionary to Honduras and a supply pastor as needed. Jim also worked as a handyman with the Baptist men. Jim was always willing to help his neighbors, even if it was just to change a lightbulb, hang blinds, curtains, or ceiling fans for them.

Jim over the years has always worked with the youth of this community, having served as a Scout Leader for 19 years. He founded the Medical Explorer Post 522 at Lenoir Memorial Hospital, and served as its Advisor. He was Cubmaster of Pack 241 at Moss Hill, and an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 273. He and Linda were very involved in Scouting serving together in Cub Scout Roundtable meetings, and Jim even served as a Boy Scout Commissioner. He was a youth leader at Union Baptist Church, participating in youth mission, and world changer trips. Jim considered the children he taught an extension of his own family. This was shown through his missions to Puerto Lempira, Gracias a Dios, Honduras. On his first trip he fell in love with the people, especially the children at the Mama Tara Miskito Orphanage. It was on this trip he met Charly; the Futrell’s became Charly’s Godparents loving him and sponsoring him at both the orphanage and IVA school. They are still in touch with him and Jim’s extended family at the orphanage. Jim served in ministry to the orphanage for 10 years loving every minute of it.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025 in the chapel of Rouse Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Fishman officiating. Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Rouse Funeral Home and at other times at the home on Liddell Road in Seven Springs.

In Lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be directed to the Mama Tara Miskito Orphanage P.O. Box 1076, Acworth GA 30101.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.