James Clarence Brayley

Mr. James Clarence “Jim” Brayley passed away after a long fought battle with Alzheimer’s on Thursday, March 30 at Morningside of Concord Assisted Living and Memory Care. Born on July 6, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of the late Mr. Charles Alexander and Mrs. Evelyn Pitts Brayley.

He and his family have been residents of Cabarrus County since moving from Katy, Texas in 1988. Mr. Brayley was a Navy veteran who worked in the service industry for fueling stations across North Carolina before retiring to travel with his late wife of fifty-six years, Mrs. Beverly Lynn Roche Brayley and refurbish furniture for friends and family. Known as a grill master serving his famous smoked beef brisket, Mr. Brayley could always be found on the back deck with the grill or in the garage working on a repair project or cars.

Mr. Brayley was an active member of Pitts Baptist Church and his Sunday school group until his illness prevented him from attending each week. He loved the dear friends and relationships he formed with them. In their retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Brayley enjoyed spending time together by camping and traveling to Lake Tillery and the beach. He was very supportive of his children and grandchildren in their activities.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Brayley was preceded in death by two sisters, Charlene Potts of Cairo, Illinois, and Mrs. Evelyn Inskeep of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is survived by a daughter, Cyndi Jones and husband, Tim of Kannapolis; and son, Chris Brayley and wife, Jennifer of Concord. Mr Brayley was grandfather to nine grandchildren: Becky Qualls and husband, Gary; Tamara Jones; Chris Jones; Michael Jones and wife, Stephanie; Connie Jones and fiancé, Steven, Jessie Jones, Carter Brayley, John Christian Brayley, and Cate Brayley; and five great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Pitts Baptist Church in Concord, North Carolina on Saturday, April 1 at 2:00 pm with the Reverend Scott Davis presiding. The family will receive friends following the service and at other times at the home of Mr. Brayley’s son at 800 Martin Street NE in Concord.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caregivers of Morningside of Concord and Hospice of Cabarrus County. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pitts Baptist Church and Hospice of Cabarrus County.