James Edward Overton, 65, a life-long resident of Granville County, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2015 at his home in Creedmoor. He was one of seven sons of Nelson Crawford and Frances Wood Overton of Oxford.

He held a degree in business administration from the Kenan Flagler Business School at UNC Chapel Hill and was a diehard Tarheel fan. After school he spent 30 years farming tobacco in North Carolina where he was named the Jaycee Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year in 1980 (Guilford County) and 1983 (Granville County). He served on the Extension Service Advisory Council and participated in a number of civic and agricultural programs.

James enjoyed hiking, playing basketball, riding his bike, fishing, and showing his grandchildren around his farm. He loved a good story and always had a riddle at the ready to stump his children. He was a kind soul who was always willing to help someone in need.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Linda Hoffman Overton of Creedmoor; his brothers Larry Overton and wife Julie of Oxford, Steve Overton and wife Paula of Severna Park MD, Lindsay Overton and wife Dianna of Winston Salem NC, and Stewart Overton and wife Joyce of Hilton Head SC; his three children Sherry Overton Rini and husband Christopher of Raleigh, Nicholas Andrew Overton of Guam, and John Edward Overton and wife Laura of Greensboro; and granddaughters Caitlyn Jeanette Rini and Dorothy Evelyn Rini of Raleigh.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Darrell Dwayne Overton of Oxford and William J. Overton of Naples, FL.

Visitation was held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, September 14 at Eakes Funeral Home in Creedmoor. The service directly followed visitation at 2:00 p.m.