James R. Warner DURHAM — James R. Warner died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, in Durham. Born Sept. 3, 1918, in Lansing, Mich., he was the son of the late Fred H. Warner and Katherine S. Warner. After growing up in Lansing and graduating from Michigan State University in 1940, he joined the U.S. Field Artillery as a second lieutenant. In 1941, he was promoted to first lieutenant and transferred to the U.S. Army Air Forces shortly after their formation. In 1942 and 1943, he was an aerial observer on Atlantic anti-submarine patrol, promoted to captain and then to major. In November 1943, he was assigned to the 5th Air Force in the S.W. Pacific Theater of Operations and served overseas in the Phillipines campaigns until the end of the war. Following the end of his active duty in 1945, he continued his service in the Air Force Reserve, being promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1953, and retiring in 1978. In 1945, Mr. Warner began a long and successful career in the textile industry. For five years he was employed by Burlington Mills at various locations in North Carolina, and then in 1950, he took an executive position with Holt-Williamson Manufacturing Co. in Fayetteville, where he continued until his retirement as vice president, secretary and director in 1985. With his leadership abilities, business acumen and commitment to assisting others, Mr. Warner served his church and community in numerous significant ways, including Hay Street Methodist Church (board member and chairman), Blood Assurance Plan of Fayetteville (director), Heritage Place (treasurer), Public Works Commission of Fayetteville (board member and chairman), Fayetteville City School Board (member and chairman of finance committee), Cumberland County Historical Society (president), Cumberland County United Way (president), Pope AFB Chapter of Air Force Association (president), and Fayetteville Kiwanis Club (member and director). Notwithstanding his numerous commitments, Mr. Warner always had time for his family and his many friends. His was a rare combination of a keen mind, an engaging personality and attributes that included devotion to family, integrity, optimism and good humor, all of which continued undiminished throughout his long life. Mr. Warner is survived by his wife of 31 years, Julia McCutcheon Warner; his son, James R. Warner Jr. and his wife, Teresa Rejent Warner, of Boydton, Va.; his daughter, Janet McConnell Warner and her husband, Robert Schapler, of Alexandria, Va.; his grandson, James Jackson Warner of Fredericksburg, Va.; and his sister, Mary Anne Fry, of Nashville, Tenn. He was predeceased by his first wife, Janet McConnell Warner, to whom he was married to from 1942 until her death in 1973. After a family burial, a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at Hay Street Methodist Church in Fayetteville. After the service the family will greet friends in the fellowship hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hay Street Methodist Church or to a charity of the donor's choice. Reception: following memorial service at Hay Street United Methodist Church Memorial: 1pm, Saturday December 15, 2012 at Hay Street United Methodist Church Burial: private