James Richard Gadd

James Richard Gadd was born March 28, 1939, in Adamsville, Ohio to the late PFC Richard Imes Gadd, a casualty of WWII, and the late Ethel Miracle Hahn. James was raised by his beloved maternal grandparents the late Louisa and Walter Miracle.

Jim graduated from Byesville High School where he played percussion in the band. His love of music ensured that all of his children would play instruments. He married Donna Lisle, the girl next door, on September 20, 1959. Jim was on the Byesville Volunteer Fire Department and also worked as a fireman at Cambridge State Hospital. Throughout his life he served in several community service organizations such as: Kiwanis Club, Lion’s Club International, Habitat for Humanity, he was President of the Band Club, and President of the Band Booster Club. Jim loved God, his family, his country and was a proud Patriot. He also found peace on his farm with his horses and his antique tractors.

Jim and Donna moved to Charlotte, NC in 1985. He retired from Mecklenburg County as a Level III Inspector. In Charlotte, he was a member of the NC Tractor Club, and he could be seen season after season pulling floats or driving his tractors in most of the community parades.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 25, 2021, between 10:00 am and 10:45 am at Hartsell Funeral Home in Harrisburg, NC with the funeral service following in the chapel at 11:00 am. The following week, October 2, 2021, a visitation will be held at 10:00 am followed by an 11:00 am service held at Byesville Assembly of God Church in Byesville, Ohio officiated by Lieutenant Colonel, Gregory Black, Ret. A graveside service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery Byesville, Ohio.

Survivors include Jim’s devoted wife of 62 years, Donna Elaine Lisle Gadd, son, James Richard (Sharon) Gadd, Jr. of Albemarle, NC son, David Allen (Robin) Gadd of Concord, NC daughter, Susan Lynn (Jack) Williams of Beaufort, NC, daughter, Sonja Rene` Gadd of Mt. Pleasant, NC; brother, Allen (Connie) Hahn of Cambridge, OH, two sisters-in-law, Deanna (Walter) Wickem of Cambridge, OH, Patricia (Ronald) Black of Concord, NC, 12 grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A special thanks to Jim’s primary caregiver, his daughter Sonja, and to his caregivers Juana Umanzor,  Rosi Aleman, Daniel Solis, and the Hospice staff for the comfort and excellent care they provided Jim in his final six months. Juana and Rosi are like daughters to Jim and Daniel like a son.

We praise God and thank Him for every day we shared with Jim, and we rejoice in knowing that he is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region or to the American Heart Association.

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