James Lee Fox

James “Jim” Lee Fox went to be with the Lord on February 17, 2026, after a courageous battle with a number of health issues. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His faith and family were always first in his life.

Jim was born on February 3, 1939 to Robert “Bob” Fox and Sibyl Fox in Boone. He had an older sister, Bobbie Byrd, and has a younger brother, Jerry Fox. He was predeceased by his parents,  sister, and a niece, Lisa Fletcher. Growing up on the family farm in Foscoe, Jim learned the value of hard work and the importance of faith and family. Throughout his professional career, Jim always found additional ways to provide income for the family (what we’d call a “side hustle” today). He graduated from Cove Creek High School and enjoyed playing numerous sports, baseball being his favorite.

A United States Army Veteran, Jim began his professional career in the grocery store business, becoming a manager with the Winn Dixie Supermarket Chain. The travel necessary for that role required him to be away from his family too much, so he switched careers and began working for the United States Postal Service. He eventually rose to the position of postmaster and later retired in that role in Vilas, where he lived.

Jim was deeply involved in his community, regularly serving as a coach for numerous youth sports teams. He was also a member of the Ruritan and Civitan clubs and served for many years on the Watauga County Planning Board as well as the Board of Directors of the Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Jim was the kind of person who would stop on the side of the road and give his coat to someone who needed it more. He became a mentor and friend to many in the community, leaving an immeasurable positive impact on countless lives. Those who knew him could always count on his willingness to lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbor in need. Jim truly never met a stranger and formed meaningful connections even with those he had just met.

Jim’s real passion for service was in the church. Throughout his decades of membership at Mabel United Methodist Church, he served in many leadership roles and was always ready to help in any capacity whenever the church had a need or an event. One of the hardest parts of his health journey was his reduced mobility that limited his ability to attend church events as frequently as he would have liked. Other than his faith, his family was at the center of his life.

Married to his loving wife, Gail Dolores Dishman Fox, for over 60 years, their devoted relationship was a positive example to their many friends and family. During his health challenges, Gail became his primary caregiver. The love displayed between Jim and Gail during this period was truly remarkable. Jim was also very proud of his only son, Michael Fox, an attorney living in Greensboro, who has carried on Jim’s example of public and community service through numerous roles across the state of North Carolina. He also cherished spending time with his three granddaughters, Isabel Fox, Amelia Fox, and Abigail Fox. From showing them around the family farm to celebrating their academic achievements, activities, and careers, he took great joy in his grandchildren. Jim also treasured getting a bonus family with his step-grandchildren, Robert Gram, Jacob Gram, Elizabeth Gram, and Caroline Gram.

Jim had a soft spot for animals. He was always supportive of the horses that Mike enjoyed growing up, as well as the many dogs and cats that were part of the family throughout the years. Jim loved gardening and cheering on his favorite sports teams, especially the Atlanta Braves, the Washington Commanders, and the Carolina Tar Heels. Jim also had a talent for restoring antique vehicles, a hobby he truly enjoyed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Gail Fox; his son, Michael Fox; his brother, Jerry Fox (Brenda); and grandchildren, Isabel Fox, Amelia Fox, and Abigail Fox. He is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews, including Tim Fletcher (Layla), Julie Carlyle (Tom), Rich Fox, Debbie Arnette (Vernon), Teresa Green, William Byrd (Stephanie), and Melanie Hollar (LaBaron).

The family would also like to recognize and thank their longtime neighbor, Kenny Cole. Kenny has been a dear friend, volunteer caregiver, and has helped the family in innumerable ways for many years.

He will be interred in a private family ceremony. A celebration of life, open to all, will occur at the Austin and Barnes funeral home in Boone on Monday, February 23, 2026. The memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would suggest a donation to either the Mabel United Methodist Church (5932 Old US 421 N, Zionville, NC 28698) or the Cove Creek Volunteer Fire Department (193 Smith Street, Vilas, NC 28692).

Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin and Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Fox family.