James Henry Simpson Poteet, Sr.
Born February 20, 1921
James Henry Simpson Poteet, Sr., age 93, of New Castle, DE, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on Monday, June 30, 2014 at the VA Community Living Center.
Born in Wilmington, Delaware on February 20, 1921, Mr. Poteet was the son of the late Charles S. Poteet, Sr. and Annie F. Beideman Poteet. He proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII and was a member of the 339th Engineer Battalion, which bravely fought in the South Pacific, including Japan, the Philippines and New Guinea. A skilled carpenter, Mr. Poteet made his career with Pettinaro Construction, retiring in 1992 after 30 years of dedicated service.
He was a longtime member of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1578. Mr. Poteet was a man of strong Christian faith and beliefs. He enjoyed gardening and was happy to use his carpentry talents to build and repair things. An avid animal lover, he held a special place in his heart for his pets, especially his dogs. Mr. Poteet was happiest in the company of his beloved family and will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Tilghman, who passed away in 1992 and his first wife, Mary N. Howell, who passed away in 1958; twin sister, Audrey Payton; and 3 sisters, Annie Fenimore, Rosalie Grover and Margaret Poteet. Mr. Poteet is survived by his children, Shirley N. Burkholder (Donald) of Middletown and James H. Poteet, Jr. (Debbie) of Bear; brother, Charles S. Poteet, Jr. of Claymont; 4 granddaughters, Cheryl Coffin (Fred), Kelly Foltz (Jason), Kimberlee Postlethwait (Sam) and Kristen Riley (Shawn); 6 great grandchildren, Nathan, Tyler, Lauren, Shane, Mason and Lane; longtime companion, Julia Person; special niece, Audie Payton; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion, Chipper.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday morning, July 7, 2014, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a visitation will be held from 10 am until 11 am. Entombment will be held privately in Gracelawn Memorial Park, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), 455 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark, DE 19713 or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, First State Chapter 100 W. 10th St. Wilmington, DE 19801.
Sandella Burkholder
Dear Shirley and Donny. Please accept my sincerest sympathy for the loss of your dad. I never had much time to be with him, but for those few hours, he was a very gracious and gentle man. I’m happy I had the opportunity to meet him. He is home now, and know that God saved the best for last. I apologize for not attending the viewing. That was not my intension, but when I got into work in the a.m., we had an emergency meeting and I couldn’t leave. I hope you understand. My best to you both and your family. May he rest in peace.
Sandy Burkholder
Don & Shirley Burkholder
Thank you Sandy for your expression of sympathy. I will really miss my Dad, but I know he is in a better place and can now walk and breathe again. I’m sorry you couldn’t come but I understand why. I was glad to see Bob there though. I hope he is doing better. Sincerely, Shirley
Brenda Trout-Constance
Dearest Shirley,
I saw your Dad’s neighbor, Evelyn, at Lauren’s wedding on Saturday. I asked about your Dad and she said he had passed this year. I looked his obituary up tonight. I just want to let you know that I am deeply sorry for your loss and that I totally understand what you are going through. It is so very difficult in the beginning of the grieving process. You lost two mothers and one father; I lost two fathers and one mother. Mother and Dad have been gone now for nine & four years, respectively. I miss them every day. Only the comfort of knowing that they have gone on Home to be with God has brought me comfort. Knowing that in his wisdom and in his time, he calls home his saints. May memories be good to you and help you through the difficult holiday season ahead. I know what a tender-hearted person you are and I know your pain is great. At no age are we ready to give up our parents. Be blessed dear heart and may God love, guide & protect you, always.
Love,
Brenda