James Marvin Pate

July 9, 1945 – March 7, 2026

James Marvin Pate, age 80, passed away last Saturday on March 7, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14 at Queen's Creek Methodist Church in Hubert, North Carolina.

He was born on July 9, 1945, in Hubert, North Carolina, to Eugene and Effie Pate.

James was a proud member of the Hubert community. He spent his entire life in the area, attending all Swansboro schools as a kid and raising his own family there as an adult. He was also a lifelong member of Queen's Creek Methodist Church in Hubert.

James spent 29 years of his life working for the Lance Corporation. He worked in many roles there, including as a branch manager and trainer, and was highly respected for his expertise and work ethic. He loved to collect Lance memorabilia and share them with his kids and grandkids. He also spent 13 years driving for Onslow United Transit System.

On May 2, 1980, James married Emily Joy Pate. James and Emily spent 45 happy years together raising their children and enjoying their grandchildren. He was beloved by his family for his booming laugh and good-natured jokes.

James was an avid sports fan throughout his life. He enjoyed umpiring, refereeing, and coaching in the Hubert community. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and Washington Redskins, but nothing compared to his love for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

James is survived by his loving wife, Emily Joy Pate; his daughters: Rebecca Zornado (Robert) of Oceanside, CA; Eve Ramos (John) of San Antonio, TX; Tiffany McCracken (Jason) of Conway Springs, KS; Deborah Snel of Hubert, NC; and Nancie Pate (Steven) of Hubert, NC.

He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who will deeply miss their Papa.

In lieu of flowers, donations in James' memory can be made to Queen's Creek Methodist Church.