James Delmas Bearden, Jr. (Jim), surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, at Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC, five days after suffering a debilitating stroke. He is survived by Pamela Berger Bearden, his wife of 46 years; children Melissa and Tyler (Collin) of Durham, NC; his three beloved grandchildren Lake, Isla, and Haven Bearden; and his brother Bob (Donna) of Princeton, NJ. He was preceded in death by his parents James Delmas Bearden, Sr. and Lois Norton Bearden.

To know Jim was to appreciate his quirky sense of humor and his kind, gentle demeanor. His eyes shone with a warm and welcoming friendliness, and he had a way of making the people around him feel comfortable. More often than not, he stayed in the background, but when others were in need, he was first in line to offer help and support. He also possessed a strong work ethic, not for his own recognition, but for serving others. Jim led by example and his family and friends recognized this. They knew that they could always count on him.

Jim always appreciated being raised in a Christian home. That led to his love of music, especially church music. He was always active in church choir and handbells, and he was a leader for both children’s and youth choirs. Jim also was a member of the North Carolina Baptist Singers and Orchestra for 20 years as a singer and percussionist. He relished the opportunity to minister through music.

Over the last eight years, some of his most cherished moments came when he was able to spend time with his three grandchildren Lake, Isla, and Haven. “Grandy,” as they called him, was always in the middle of backyard soccer games, hide and seek, telling jokes, and getting makeovers. Those were special times and his grandchildren adored him for playing an active role in their lives.

Jim loved God with his whole heart, and he lived his life being the arms and feet of Jesus in this world. Jim was a sensitive, caring, and selfless person, and he will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend its deep and heartfelt gratitude to the ICU staff at Cone Hospital, who provided compassionate and loving care to Jim and treated him like he was family to them. In addition, we are so appreciative of HonorBridge, who worked hand-in-hand with the ICU staff to fulfill Jim’s desire to be an organ donor and give someone else the gift of life.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life and legacy will be held at 2:00 PM on November 7, 2025, at The Church of the Redeemer, 5572 Garden Village Way in Greensboro, NC. The family will receive friends after the service. In addition, there will be a graveside service of remembrance at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah GA on Saturday, November 22 at 11:00 AM.

As the family walks through this journey, many people have asked how they can help. Your prayers are requested and welcomed. In lieu of flowers, for those who desire to offer financial assistance, your donations are greatly appreciated and will help pay the medical bills and expenses arising from this sudden and unexpected situation. You can go to this website set up by family friend Allison Spell to donate:

James Delmas Bearden, Jr. (Jim), surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, at Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC, five days after suffering a debilitating stroke. He is survived by Pamela Berger Bearden, his wife of 46 years; children Melissa and Tyler (Collin) of Durham, NC; his three beloved grandchildren Lake, Isla, and Haven Bearden; and his brother Bob (Donna) of Princeton, NJ. He was preceded in death by his parents James Delmas Bearden, Sr. and Lois Norton Bearden.

Throughout his life, Jim was always giving and always selfless. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his quirky sense of humor, his kind and gentle demeanor, and his love and passion for music. He was deeply devoted to his family and faith, and was extremely fond of his three grandchildren, with whom he shared many joyful moments.

The family would like to extend its deep and heartfelt gratitude to the ICU staff at Cone Hospital, who provided compassionate and loving care to Jim and treated him like he was family to them. In addition, we are so appreciative of HonorBridge, who worked hand-in-hand with the ICU staff to fulfill Jim’s desire to be an organ donor and give someone else the gift of life.

A memorial service to celebrate Jim’s life and legacy will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 7, 2025, at The Church of the Redeemer, 5572 Garden Village Way in Greensboro, NC. The family will receive friends after the service. In addition, there will be a graveside service of remembrance at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah GA on Saturday, November 22 at 11:00 AM.

As the family walks through this journey, many people have asked how they can help. Your prayers are requested and welcomed. In lieu of flowers, for those who desire to offer financial assistance, your donations are greatly appreciated and will help pay the medical bills and expenses arising from this sudden and unexpected situation. You can go to this website set up by family friend Allison Spell to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-bearden-family