James M. Tyson

Mr. James M. "Jimmy" Tyson, 82, of 518 Florence Avenue, Kannapolis, died Friday, March 13, 2009. Mr. Tyson was born November 7, 1926 in Monroe, a son of the late James Lee Tyson and Vallen Gamble Tyson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two grandchildren. A veteran of the US Army and Air Force, he served during World War II. He worked in the building supply business in Kannapolis for many years with Watkins Building Supply. Mr. Tyson is survived by his wife, Ruby H. Tyson; a step-son, Jimmy Basinger and wife Cindy of Salisbury; three step-daughters, Peggy Pickrel and husband Ronald, Cheryl Jones and husband Larry of Kannapolis, and Pam Ailshie and husband Allen of Salisbury; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Henry Ford Tyson of Monroe; and a sister, Ruby Walleen Norwood of Harrisburg. Funeral services for Mr. Tyson will be conducted at Eastwood Baptist Church, Sunday March 15, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. The Rev. Randal Ritchie and the Rev. Darren Yow will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service Sunday from 3 until 4 p.m. At other times, they will be at the residence. The family requests memorials to Eastwood Baptist Church, 320 Cook Street, Kannapolis, NC 28083 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081.