James Ray Julian, Sr. passed away peacefully on April 6, 2013 while surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born July 10, 1922 in Spencer, NC to Bruner Albert Julian and Bertha Leonhardt Julian. He moved to Jacksonville, FL in December 1960 with his devoted wife, Johnnie, to whom he was married for nearly 71 years. Jim graduated from Spencer High School as co-valedictorian and attended the University of North Carolina on academic scholarship before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in November 1942. He proudly served in World War II in the Pacific aboard the USS Piedmont (AD-17) as Electrician's Mate First Class; honorably discharged in November 1945. For 45 years, Jim was employed by Norfolk Southern Railway and predecessor, Southern Railway System, until his retirement in December 1986. Jim was a master storyteller, a talented harmonica player, and sang bass for 30 years in the choir at Spring Glen United Methodist Church. Jim loved to watch the Atlanta Braves and cheer on the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also loved taking summer vacations to Norfolk Southern's Brosnan Forest in South Carolina, where the Julian family gathered to fish, swim, golf, and eat. The father of three, Jim was beloved by his family. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters Katherine Earnhardt and Dorothy Hardister, brothers Wilbur and Albert, and great-granddaughter Jordan. Jim is survived by his wife, Johnnie Fuller Julian; sisters Elizabeth Stirewalt and Mildred Collins; sons James, Jr. (Cindy), David (Iris), J. Alan (Gina); grandchildren Ken (Tricia), Kristin Culpepper, Andrea Colbert (Carlos), Stephen, James Baggett, Kyle (Kendrick), Rachel Blevins (Chris), Nathan, Lindsay, Meredith Sloan (Josh), Ashley Caplinger Sites, Christen Caplinger, and Nathan Thacker; great-grandchildren Joe, Jack, Nate Culpepper, Amariah Haughton, C.J. Colbert, Jr., Aubree, Logan Blevins, Jayden, Avan, Kylen, and Aubrey.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Spring Glen United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, FL. A private burial will be planned in Salisbury, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations to Spring Glen United Methodist Church or Spring Glen United Methodist Choir are requested. Arrangements by Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd.