James Cannon's Obituary
James Edward Cannon, Sr., 76, of Huntersville died December 25, 2013.
Mr. Cannon was born in Hickory, NC, on March 22, 1937, to Bernard Council Cannon, Sr. and Lucy Edmiston Cannon. He was the youngest of nine children, educated in the Hickory school system and served in the US Air Force. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughter Suzanne and her husband Ted Davis, his son Jim Cannon, Jr. and his wife Holly, and his adored grandchildren Caroline Somers Davis, Jackson Lee Davis, Claire Noelle Cannon, and Lauren Caldwell Cannon. Also surviving are a number of nephews, nieces and his sisters-in-law and their husbands, Marsha and Bill McElroy, and Debbie and Wayne Mullis for whom he had a special affection. His parents and siblings predeceased him.
Mr. Cannon began his career in Myrtle Beach, SC, in the hospitality industry. He managed several hotels and was active in civic affairs. The Chamber of Commerce
honored him as “Man of the Year.” He was a Gideon and a Mason. He was co-founder and co-owner of Coastal Candle Makers Gift Shops in Myrtle Beach.
In 1974 he was asked to develop a hospitality education program at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. Starting out with only 12 students, a spare classroom, and the use of a church food service facility, he eventually built what became a premier program that regularly ranked in the top 5 hospitality programs throughout the US. The program had a full staff and faculty and over 800 students enrolled when he retired in 1996. A father figure and mentor to many of his students, he often travelled with them to hospitality industry events, as well as to food competitions in New York, Chicago, Phoenix, and Dallas. During his tenure at CPCC, he was instrumental in organizing the Charlotte hotel and restaurant community into what is now the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance. His lasting legacy is CPCC Hospitality Management graduates currently working all over the US. Throughout his professional life he was very supportive of his wife Barbara and her career. They were a formidable team throughout their 52 year marriage.
Subsequent to his retirement from CPCC, he served as General Manager of America Charters Motorcoach Company. Mr. Cannon enjoyed travelling, playing golf, and boating.
Mr. Cannon was active in the Presbyterian Church, where he was a Deacon and Elder at First Presbyterian in Myrtle Beach and Myers Park Presbyterian in Charlotte. He was most recently a member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Huntersville, NC.
The family wishes to thank the staff of the Levine-Dickson Hospice House, Huntersville, for their professional, compassionate care for Mr. Cannon, as well as the entire family.
Memorials may be made to the Hopewell Endowment Fund, Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Huntersville, and the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville.
Pallbearers will be Joe Phelps, Joe Vagnone, Janice Dion, Beth Eakes, William Alexander, and Kathy Cozean, all of whom are Mr. Cannon’s former students. All additional students will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Interment will take place at 1:30 PM on Monday, December 30, 2013 in the Hopewell Presbyterian Church cemetery. A service to celebrate his life will follow in the church sanctuary at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com
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