James "Jimmy" Thomas Pilson

James “Jimmy” Thomas Pilson, age 86, of Sanford, NC, passed away Sunday, January 11, 2026 at High Point Medical Center with his family by his side.

He was born in Lee County on December 15, 1939 to the late Hal Paul Pilson and Ruby Elizabeth McManus Pilson.  Jimmy is survived by his wife, of 60 years, Elizabeth “Lib” Wicker Pilson; son Lynn Pilson of Raleigh; brother Eddie Pilson and wife Teresa of Deep River; sister Mary Ann Pazderski of Tennessee; nieces and nephews Elizabeth Pilson, Wilson and Dawn Weathers, Lorna and Scott Dewey, Kim and Keith Griffin, Gina and Adam Tenney and Jerry Ray Rosser.  He is also survived by many other loving extended family.

Jimmy worked many years and retired from Eaton Corporation as a Supervisor and Production Manager.  He was an active member of Salem Presbyterian Church would volunteer to help with church programs including portraying Jesus, Donkey, Joseph and Barney Fife.  He was an extremely talented woodworker and could fix anything.  Jimmy received the greatest joy in mowing his grass and making sure everything was perfectly manicured. 

A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Salem Presbyterian Church with Pastor Julie Oliver Hughes officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends, in the church fellowship hall, following the service and other times at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Salem Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 3554 Avents Ferry Road, Sanford, NC 27330.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jimmy" Thomas Pilson, please visit our floral store.