James Stuart Melvin, Jr. “Coach Melvin” died unexpectedly Monday, January 27 of cardiac arrest. Jim turned 80 on November 26. Born in Erwin, NC to Stuart and Felicia Martin Melvin, Jim was the oldest of three, along with his brother, Marty, and sister, Peggy. Jim graduated from Reidsville Senior High School in 1962 and attended Wake Forest University his freshman year. He transferred to UNC-CH where he graduated with a degree in Business in 1966. Jim enlisted in the US Army and was commissioned a 1st Lt. Infantry officer serving with the 1st Cavalry as a platoon leader in Vietnam in 1969. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Jim was a patriot, loved his country and was very proud to be a veteran.
Jim married Claire DeLeuw 54 years ago, and they loved raising their twins, Abby and Stuart. Jim and Claire joined the loving family of Graham Presbyterian in 1973 where they raised their children surrounded by faithful friends. Jim was so grateful for his church family’s patient, loving kindness.
After Vietnam, Jim returned to UNC-CH and received a degree in Physical Education and a Masters of Arts in Teaching. He began his 30+ year career of teaching and coaching first at Graham Middle School, then at Graham High School. Basketball was Jim’s passion. He was very proud to have been part of Graham High School’s 1983 State Championship. HE LOVED ALL THE RED DEVIL PLAYERS.
Jim also loved tennis. He loved playing and coaching at middle school, high school, Piedmont Crescent CC, Quarry Hills CC, Aces and Duces, Burlington Rec. Dept., AJTF, Mebane Rec. Dept. and Men’s Night. There were so many programs he was part of where he met so many wonderful players. His most exciting experience was the State Championship that his son Stuart and partner Jeremy Wyrick won in 1995. What an exciting day! Tennis also brought Jim his very best friends in 1972. Many sets of tennis were played with “The Salamanders,” who dubbed him “the Commander.” Jim’s many contributions to the community through his coaching and mentoring were acknowledged by his induction into the Graham Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.
In addition to family, friends and sports, Jim also loved all things Carolina, cool low-riding sports cars, late night chats, a good seafood buffet, and an ice-cold Fosters.
Jim was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Marty Melvin. He is survived by his wife, Claire; twins Abby Melvin of Graham and Dr. Stuart Melvin (Anna Tye Melvin) of Washington, DC, his beloved grandchildren, Avery, Riley, and Grant Spoon, James IV, Lynda and Bo Melvin; his sister, Peggy Perkins of High Point, NC, and sister-in-law, Doris Melvin of Reidsville, NC.
Jim’s service will be held at Graham Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 15. Visitation will be 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Church Parlor with the service to follow in the sanctuary at 3:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Steve Copeland, Dr. Bruce Darden, George Darden, Buster Goodman, Mark Lane, Edward Patten, and Dr. Steve Troutman.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Graham Presbyterian Community Life Center for sports equipment.
To God Be the Glory! Amen.
