James Willard Cahoon, a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and a beacon of light to his community, passed into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on January 28, 2025 at ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton, NC. Born on June 25, 1952, to Margaret B. and Willard L. Cahoon, James lived a life dedicated to faith, family, and service. His infectious laugh and genuine love for everyone he encountered reflected the light of Christ within him.
After graduating from Columbia High School in 1970, James answered the call to serve his country, joining the U.S. Army and being stationed in Vicenza, Italy. Upon his honorable discharge, he pursued higher education, earning degrees from Mount Olive College, Atlantic Christian College, and East Carolina University. His commitment to service led him to a distinguished career marked by a deep desire to help others. He served as an Intake Juvenile Court Counselor in Edgecombe, Nash, and Wilson Counties, served as Family Services Director with the Free Will Baptist Children's Home, and dedicated many years to the town of Columbia and Tyrrell County Schools as a Counselor, Assistant Principal, Principal, Community Schools Coordinator, Personnel Director, and Assistant Superintendent.
James's faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted member of Sound Side Original Free Will Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, and Deacon, and faithfully chaired the Deacon Board for the last 25 years. His leadership extended into his community, where he served on the Town of Columbia Planning Board for 22 years (Chairman for 15 years) and the Board of Alderman for 5 years. James served on several local committees, church denomination boards (district and state), and held leadership and administrative positions within those organizations. He was elected Mayor of Columbia in the fall of 2017 and served for the last seven years until his passing.
James was preceded in death by his beloved son, Blake E. Cahoon; brother, Glynn T. Cahoon; sister, Jackie C. Smith; father, Willard L. Cahoon; and mother, Margaret B. Cahoon. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion cherished by his loving wife, Kathy B. Cahoon; daughter, Katherine C. Alphin (Andrew Alphin); granddaughters, Anna Blake and Logan; sisters, Ginger C. Hassell and Anita C. Simpson; sisters-in-law, Linda Holton, Marie Cutrell, and Jeanie Harrell; and a host of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
While his earthly presence will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the knowledge that James is now eternally home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His life serves as a powerful example of Christian faith in action, and his memory will continue to inspire and bless all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at Sound Side Original Freewill Baptist Church in Columbia with the Reverend Royce Reynolds officiating. Family will receive friends on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Church prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Donations may be made to Sound Side Original Free Will Baptist Church at PO Box 125, Columbia, NC 27925.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Creswell, NC.