James Edward Wylie

James Edward Wylie, 92, died October 28, 2015. Colonel Wylie (Ret.) was a decorated aviator with the USMC serving active duty during the Korean War and World War II followed by over thirty years in the reserves. After active duty he chose a career in insurance and was a CLU and general agent with Mass Mutual for over fifty years. Although raised in central Texas, he developed a love for sailing and coastal conservation after marrying Betty Bunting and adopting her hometown, New Bern. Trumpet playing helped pay for his college education and he continued that avocation well into his eighties, first with the Craven County Brass Band in New Bern and later, after moving to Cary in 2000, with Triangle Brass. Mr. Wylie is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Bunting Wylie and his son, James Edward Wylie, Junior. He is survived by his children, Frances Smith (Jeff) of Cary, Glad Atkins (Ken) of Wake Forest, Harold Thomas Henry Wylie (Nancy) of Cincinnati, OH, and Robert Bunting Wylie of Los Angeles, CA. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. The family is grateful to the staff at Glenaire Retirement Community for their compassionate care. A private celebration of his life will be held by the Wylie family. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the North Carolina Coastal Federation, 3609 NC Hwy 24, Newport, NC 28570.