James Edward Lail Jr.

James E Lail Jr. (Jim) passed away on August 1, 2018 at Lake Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Jim was born on September 28, 1952 in Raleigh, North Carolina to the late James E. Lail Sr. and Joann Lail. He Lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Greensboro, North Carolina. In 1966 his family returned to the Raleigh where he went to Needham B. Broughton High School. After high school he enlisted in the Untied States Navy. He proudly served during the Vietnam war as a Second-Class Petty Officer and was attached to Admiral Ralph Cousins with SACLANT Fleet and NATO. After his discharge he went back to Raleigh and started college at North Carolina State University majoring in landscape architecture. He was discouraged to learn how dismal his chances for employment in landscape would be, so he decided to transfer to Elon College and major in business administration. While attending Elon College he was a member of Alpha Phi Omega fraternity. He worked for the Veterans' Administration as student liaison. Jim spent his leisure time going to his family's cabin and boating on Badin Lake. He met his wife Harriet Bauer at Elon College. They married August 27, 1977. He and Harriett moved back to Raleigh to help his Grandfather R H Eakley, after Jim's Uncle Richard Eakley died. Jim loved drafting and home building his entire life. His grandfather's health was declining so he decided to close his company. Jim and Harriet moved back to Elon College, so Jim could finish his degree. Just as he had finished his degree they welcomed a son Christopher Lail on July 10, 1982. Jim landed a job as a Revenue Officer with The Internal Revenue Service. He also was a NTEU shop steward while working full case load. Jim loved helping people. He went back to school and became an emergency medical technician. Jim was a charter member of Matthews Rescue & EMS. He served as Chief from 1997 until 2000. Both he and Harriet truly loved the Matthews Rescue & EMS experience and the wonderful lifetime friends they worked with. Jim loved his family and his dogs. Chris and His wife Magen welcomed a daughter Aurora in 2014. Jim adored Aurora and was delighted to hear a grandson was on the way in January. Jim faced his Alzheimer's diagnosis with grace and courage. His gentle spirit was with him until the very end. We would like to thank all the care givers from Carepoint and the Hospice of Union County for their loving care. We request that any donations be made to the: Matthews Branch of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library 230 Matthews Station Matthews, NC 28105 Or The Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Region. A memorial service to honor Jim's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 8, 2018 at Gaskin Funeral Services located at 14617 West Lawyers Rd Matthews, NC 28104. We like to invite all to lunch and continued celebration of Jim's life at 12:30pm at the Bella Sera Club House located at 2700 Bella Sera Way Matthews, NC 28105. -

Service Information

Saturday, September 8th, 2018 11:00am, Gaskin Funeral Services

Interment Details

Private