James Ralph Vogt

James “Jim” Ralph Vogt, 86, died peacefully at WakeMed Raleigh, joining the Church Triumphant on 18 April 2023. He was born on 10 November 1936 to the late Charles William Vogt and Josephine Freid Vogt in Norwood, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Jim is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Teresa Vogt Hunt and James Loftin Hunt, Jr.; son, Steven Lee Vogt; grandson, Miles Baker Hunt; sister, Shirley Vogt Suddeth; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his furry friend, Buddy. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Grace Miles Vogt.

Jim enlisted into the United States Marine Corps on 12 November 1953 where he served at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. An artist by trade, Jim served the Marine Corps as an illustrator and commercial artist. He received an honorable discharge on 12 November 1956 obtaining the rank of Corporal and receiving the National Defense Service Medal for his service during the Korean War.

During his last year of his service, he met his future wife, Barbara on a blind date in Raleigh. They were married at Raleigh Baptist Tabernacle on 31 August 1957 prior to moving to Cincinnati, Ohio. During his time back in Ohio, Jim served the City of Norwood as a sign painter. They welcomed their first child, Teresa, in 1961. In 1964, Jim and his family moved back to Raleigh, North Carolina. Seven years later, they welcomed Steve, their second child in 1971.

On 1 April 1964, Jim accepted a position with the North Carolina Department of Archives and History and the North Carolina Museums of History and Historic Sites Division. He utilized his skills as an artist contributing to the design of numerous exhibitions and restorations across the State of North Carolina. Though his contributions over the years are countless, his notable contributions include his work in opening the Museum at the Fort Fisher Historical Site, the Museum of the Birthplace of Zebulon B. Vance, the Historic Bath Historic Site, the Museum of the Albemarle, and the opening of the current North Carolina Museum of History in 1994. He also participated in the restoration and preservation of the CSS Neuse, a steam-powered ironclad scuttled in 1865 in the inland waters of North Carolina, which is now on display at the CSS Neuse and Governor Caswell Memorial in Kinston, North Carolina. Jim was also commissioned by a Raleigh antiques dealer to create a pen and ink series of various historic homes around downtown Raleigh. These included the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson, the Mordecai House, and several others. They were later displayed at the Balentines Cafeteria in Cameron Village until its closure in 1999.

In 1971, David Marshall "Carbine" Williams – creator of M1 carbine, often noted as one of the strongest contribution factors in the victory in the Pacific during World War II – donated his entire workshop to the North Carolina Museum of History. During Jim’s tenure at the museum, he assisted in the meticulous work of exhibiting over 3,000 artifacts present in the workshop. The workshop remains on permanent display at the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh.

As Jim neared retirement, he was tasked with producing a 4’ x 6’ acrylic painting of two wheelwrights, Emmett P. Jones and Armie Riddick, for an exhibition at the Museum of the Albemarle. It was his last piece of work before retirement. From start to finish, he was able to complete the large painting in three working days and four hours. Given this was his last work for the State, he was allowed to sign the painting, something which he had not been previously allowed to do. Jim retired from the State of North Carolina on 1 October 1998 having served the Department of Archives and History for 34 years and six months.

When not utilizing his skills as a handyman around the house or working on personal pieces of artwork for family and friends, or coaching basketball at the Raleigh Boy’s Club, Jim and his family were members of Longview United Methodist Church in Raleigh.

The family will have a private memorial service of the inurnment at a later date. The family gratefully declines flowers and donations, but prayers and memories are gladly accepted.