James (Jim) Elden Overton

Lenoir, NC- Mr. James “Jim” Elden Overton, age 89, of Lenoir, passed away Monday, April 16, 2012 at Lenoir Healthcare Center. Born April 28, 1922 in Cynthiana, Indiana, Mr. Overton was a son of the late Claude Lockhart and Garnett Nicholson Overton and the husband of the late Christine “Chris” Waddill Overton. Mr. Overton was a member of Lower Creek Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school. He was a retired Math Instructor teaching high school and college in DeKalb County, GA. He was selected Star Teacher in DeKalb County 7 times. The highlight of his career was in 1970 when he was named National Teacher of the Year by Yale University. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving on the Richard W. Suesens destroyer during WWII. He was instrumental in preserving the ship during several kamikaze attacks. Mr. Overton is survived by his son, Bob James Overton and wife Kay of Lenoir; 2 sisters, Carolyn Harrod of St. Petersburg, FL; Jean Howse of Dallas, GA; one brother, Claude Lee Overton and wife Doris of Demorest, GA; one grandson, Brian Overton of Lenoir and two granddaughters, Grawyn Overton Miller and husband Matt and Caitlin Overton and fiancé’ Daniel Green of Lenoir. He is also survived by several children, whom he and his wife Chris raised, including Dr. Bob Fulmer, Doyle Fulmer and Richard Cates. A celebration of Mr. Overton’s life will be held Friday, April 20, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Lower Creek Baptist Church with Reverend Bert Blackburn officiating. Burial will follow in the Lower Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, April 20, 2012 from 1 until 2 PM, one hour prior to the service at Lower Creek Baptist Church. The family respectfully requests memorials be made to Lower Creek Baptist Church, 635 Lower Creek Drive, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645 or Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645. Online condolences may be sent to the Overton Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir is serving the Overton Family. PDF Printable Version