James Everette Spikes

Raleigh - James Everette Spikes died Friday, January 27, 2012. He was born in Raleigh, NC on May 27, 1921 to the late William Soloman and Ilie Spikes. He graduated from Needham Broughton High School and after attending business school in Chicago, went to work for A.E. Finley. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served mostly in India, China, and Burma where he became a First Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. He was recognized for his instrumental leadership in the development of the Burma Lido Road which enabled vital supplies to reach the troops. When he returned home to Raleigh, he continued to work for A.E. Finley at N.C. Equipment Company until his retirement. Up until his death, he actively managed his own investment company. One of his greatest pleasures was being among family and friends and sharing stories. He was one of the original members of the Old Raleigh Boys Club and cherished the fellowship of his lifelong friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Annabelle Gill Spikes, in 1996, and by his two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Louise Spikes, and his nieces and nephews. As Everette was a great animal lover and dedicated supporter throughout his life, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wake County SPCA, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603. The family sincerely thanks the many caregivers, friends, and physicians that cared for him, especially Sandra Langston. Graveside funeral rites with military honors will be Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Montlawn Memorial Park . A visitation will be held Monday, January 30th, 6:00-8:00 PM at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC 27604.