"Jim" James Ray Compton, Sr.

“Jim” James Ray Compton Sr., 84, of Kannapolis, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with his family by his side after a period of declining health. He spent his final day eating a wonderful meal with his family and watching the birds in his yard.

His funeral service will be held at Whitley’s Funeral Home at 2:00 PM, Thursday, May 14 in the chapel with Rev. Billy Carey and Rev. Bud Welch officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home at 1:00 PM before the funeral. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park.

Jim was born in Cabarrus County on April 3, 1942, to the late J. B. Compton and Anna Belle Raymer Compton. In addition to his parents, Jim was also preceded in death by his son, Tony Millsaps, his brothers-in-law Sam Davis and Jerry Brattain, and his nephew, Mark Brattain.

Jim was a lifelong Kannapolis resident and a longtime member of Walk by Faith Community Church. He attended A. L. Brown High School and was a proud veteran of the US Navy stationed in Hawaii for 4 years. After his service, Jim was a long-haul truck driver for over 35 years, retiring from Yellow Freight in 2003. He enjoyed camping with family and friends, especially at NASCAR race infields and Myrtle Beach.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Linda Frye Compton; his two sons, Jeffrey Millsaps of Salisbury and “Jimmy” James Ray Compton, Jr. (Kathi) of Kannapolis; his grandchildren, Daniel (Alyssa) Munyer of Concord, Candice Millsaps of Kannapolis, Jennifer (Josh) Simpson of Clyde, and Kristen Compton of Kannapolis; his great-grandsons Jacob Torres and William Simpson; his sisters Becky Brattain of Locust and Peggy Davis of Mooresville; and many beloved nieces and nephews, including Paula Ford and Lori Brattain, who was a devoted caretaker in his final months.

Memorial donations can be made to Atrium Health Hospice and Palliative Care Cabarrus, 5003 Hospice Ln, Kannapolis, NC 28081.