Obituary: James Percy (J.P.) Cauley, Jr.

James Percy (J.P.) Cauley, Jr., age 90, of Kinston, N.C., passed away September 12, 2025, at his home on Stonington Farm, near Kinston.

J.P. was born in Fort Barnwell, N.C. to J. Percy Cauley, Sr., and Martha Barwick Cauley. He was raised in Fort Barnwell in Craven County and graduated from Farm Life High School in Vanceboro. J.P. had a great love for his country and as a young man, he proudly served in the United States Army and in the Army Reserves. He was attached to the 24th Infantry Division stationed in Germany. After his tour of duty in the military, he returned to Fort Barnwell and to his job with E. I. Dupont where he worked while earning his college degree. He retired from DuPont after 32 years and bought into the manufactured housing set-up business as a second career. J.P. was an entrepreneur, a breeder of Irish Sport Horses and registered Angus cattle, a land developer, and a master builder. He prided himself in honoring his word, working hard, and conducting honest business. He was a strong man and a man of faith. He had a heart for helping his fellow man. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially for the Kinston professional baseball teams and N.C. State University men’s basketball.

J.P. served on various state boards associated with manufactured housing and helped to standardize the guidelines for setting up manufactured homes across North Carolina. His business was licensed to set homes in eight states along the Eastern Seaboard. His crew set up several multi-sections homes each day.

For recreation, he rode to the hounds with The Triangle Hunt, a fox hunting organization, for about 30 years, serving as Hunt Master for a number of years. He was a member of the American Fox Hunting Association and rode his favorite hunt horses on hunts from Pennsylvania to Florida.

J.P. was a life-long member and was an ordained Deacon from the age of 21.

He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary.

He is survived by his wife Mary Mumford Cauley, son James P. (Jim) Cauley III and daughter in-law, Lisa Wade Cauley of Cape Carteret and Wendell, grandchildren; Emily Cauley Schulken (Byron) Alex Cauley, and great-granddaughter, Elena Jayne, siblings; Hallie Mae Heath, Martha Lammert, Nancy Wiggins (Donnie), and Barbara Jean Thompson.

J.P. was very proud of his immediate and extended family. His son Jimbo was the joy of his life. His was a life well lived. He leaves a legacy of love with his family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Spilman Memorial Baptist Church in Kinston at 12 Noon with the Rev. Dr. H. Powell Dew, Jr., pastor, officiating. Visitation will be before the service, beginning at 11:00 A.M.

A Graveside Service will be held immediately following the service at the family cemetery at Stonington Farm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spilman Memorial Baptist Church, 601 Maddison Avenue, Kinston, N.C. 28501, where he was a member.

Arrangements are under the care of Howard-Carter Funeral Home, 1608 W. Vernon Ave, Kinston, N.C, 28504. Condolences may be made online at howardandcarter.com.