James B. (JB) Kiser

February 21, 2022

James B. (JB) Kiser, 95, of Charlotte, NC, died peacefully February 21, 2022. Born in Gaston Co., NC, to Ransom G. and Ida J. Kiser, the loving and dedicated husband of Mary Lou, and fun and devoted father of Deborah Kiser Cornwell and James R. (Jim) Kiser. He graduated from Tryon High School in Gaston County NC, and Barber School in Durham, NC after serving in the Army. He was a member of the Greatest Generation! He and Mary Lou Beam were married in 1947, then moved to Charlotte where he owned and operated Kiser’s Barber Shop located in what was then the Duke Power building in Uptown. Barbering there for 50 years he became close friends with many customers, including numerous Duke Power CEOs. He was fondly known as the Duke Power Barber. Former Mayor Pat McCrorey and the City of Charlotte, NC, proclaimed December 10, 1998, as ‘JB Kiser Day’ for being a steadfast and integral member of the Uptown Charlotte business community for half a century. He was also featured in the Duke Power Journal for his over 45 years of service to Duke Power and Uptown.

JB’s passions were his family, fishing, and gardening; he enjoyed giving away much of his produce throughout the years. JB was a Freemason earning the highest honor of the 33rd degree. He had a steadfast belief in God, faithfully serving his church and others. He loved sports, especially Duke basketball.

In addition to his parents, JB was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters. JB leaves behind his loving wife of 74 years, Mary Lou, his daughter, Deborah (Glenn) of Rock Hill, SC, and son Jim (Lisa) of Seneca, SC, his 3 grandchildren, Lauren C. Wright (William F. Wright, MD) of Waxhaw, NC; Jacob Kiser (Jessie) of Central, SC; and Andrew Kiser (Nicole) of Newnan, GA; three great-grandsons, Liam, Declan and Kellan Wright of Waxhaw, NC; and a brother, Hugh Kiser (Marlene), of Jacksonville, Fl.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, March 4, 2022, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1001 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207 at 2:00 pm with visitation following the service.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Share your memories & condolences

Comments

  • Tom Hudgins

    JB was a special friend who I will never forget.

    Short URL:
  • Mary Darden McLeod

    My Father T. Bragg McLeod thought the World of JB, who was not only his barber but a great friend. We enjoyed visits with JB and Mary Lou in Blowing Rock with lunch at Peppers. I know Dad and JB are in their new bodies, enjoying each other’s company. My sincere condolences to his beloved wife and family, Mary Darden

    Short URL: