Jim Poteat

Jim Poteat

Winston Salem, NC.

James (“Jim”) Elbert Poteat, a faithful servant of his Lord Jesus, was born in Cherokee County on March 22, 1935, to the late William Nathern and Emma McDonald Poteat. Jim entered his heavenly home, at the age of 91, on May 10, 2026, in his home with his wife, Judy Cooley Poteat, by his side.

At the age of 17, Jim moved to Flint, Michigan, to work for Fisher Body, a division of General Motors. After 30 years of service, he retired and opened The Omelet Shoppe in Flint. After serving his many friends and people in the community in The Omelet Shoppe, he returned to South Carolina in 1988 to be closer to family.

In retirement, Jim pursued and mastered many hobbies, including golf, gardening, fishing, telling jokes, and carpentry. His love of using his skills to serve others and the church was an important part of his ministry on earth. More important to him than his hobbies was his relationship with Jesus Christ. Up to his final days, he spent his mornings reading and meditating on God’s Word.

Jim was an active member of North Spartanburg Church of God. He served multiple terms on the Pastor’s Council, sold hundreds of Christmas trees for the Boys Club, and enjoyed serving the community through the church outreach program.

In addition to his wife, Judy, he is survived by sons, Bill Poteat (Linda) and David Poteat (Denise); stepsons, Frosty Cooley (Beth) and Stephen Cooley; and a niece raised in the home, Mellody Poteat.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Vickie Barela (Brian), Sarah Castleman (David), James Poteat (Lisa), Olivia Cooley, and Rachel McEathron (Rory).

Great-Grandchildren include Uriah Barela, Ty Barela, Kameryn Castleman, David Castleman, Jude Cooley, Silas McEathron, and Mills McEathron.

In addition to his first wife, Linda McCallister Poteat, Jim was preceded in death by sisters, Kathleen Genobles, Florene Cash, and Laverne McDaniels; his brothers, JW Poteat, Tommy Poteat, Ray Poteat, and Holiroid Scruggs; and his faithful fur baby, Cooper.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026 at North Spartanburg Church of God. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Reverend Brandon Ard and Reverend Larry Flippo officiating. A private interment will follow in Springhill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Spartanburg Church of God “Projects”, 2069 Chesnee Highway, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Wright Funerals-Cremations, High Point, assisted the family for the NC arrangements.