James Kent Sankey

August 4, 2024

CHARLOTTE – James “Jim” Kent Sankey passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

Jim was born on November 24, 1959, in Canton, Ohio, the son of Dorothy Kline Sankey and the late Richard Ward Sankey.

Jim graduated from Hoover High School in 1978, and Bowling Green State University in 1982. Jim was an entrepreneur who spent his adult life starting and building businesses. In 2019, he was nominated as one of the most admired CEOs of the Charlotte region.

He was known for his fierce love for his family, his loyal friendships, his great sense of humor, his intense competitive spirit, his desire to always become a better person, his compassion for those less fortunate, and his desire to serve his Lord Jesus with his life.

Jim was the husband to Beth, who he deeply loved for the past 39 years of marriage. He was the very proud father of Clay (Amanda), Wes, and Brooke, “Jefe” to grandchildren Colton, Blake and Ava, and brother of Suzanne. Those who knew and loved him will miss him terribly. Jim lived a life to be remembered and he will be.

In addition to his father, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, David Sankey.

A memorial service in honor of Jim will be held 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 8, 2024, at New City Church, 2500 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC, with Pastor Joe Coffey officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://newcity.us/memorial. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Assist International, 800 S Stockton Ave., Ripon, CA 95366, please indicate "CAMINUL FELIX" on the memo line. Donations may also be made online Caminul Felix Romania (assistinternational.org)

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

 

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  • Bob Young

    Jim and I were great friends in grade, middle, and high school. We played many sports together-track, cross country, basketball and tennis.

    During the summer, we would ride bikes to the Kent State University branch and play tennis for hours. He won most of the time, but it was the sportsmanship and friendship that made it memorable.

    We did many of the things young kids do growing up. I remember sitting on his back porch, talking with other friends and his Mom. Laughing, sharing, growing up, and best of all, be friends.

    I had heard rumors over the years of Jim, but not until several months ago, did I learn of the grown up Jim Sankey. He obviously influenced many others on life, as he did when I knew him. We were all fortunate to know him somewhere in our lives, and we all will miss him dearly.

    Best wishes my friend, RIP
    Bob "Seymour" Young

  • Chrissy Tait (Pacewicz)

    Clay, Wes, (and family) - I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. Though I met your father only a handful of times while at Elon, I remember him as a genuine and caring man. One favorite memory I have is when your parents opened their home to the entire team after a cross country race. It was evident that your family was full of love and that they extended that love to many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    With love,
    Chrissy

  • Kazi, Thuli and Dolma Shetpa

    We are very shocked to hear the sad news about the untimely loss of Mr. Jim Sankey. He was one of the nicest man we have ever known, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. Sankey will forever be remembered by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family during this difficult time, may his departed soul rest in peace.

  • Cindy (Fetzer) Burke

    Dear Doe, Suzanne, and Jim's family...My heart is broken for all of you. Having known Jim in his early years it was easy to see that he would grow to be a wonderful, caring, and successful man, husband, father and grandfather. Sending lots of prayers and hugs to all of you.

  • Pete Gulick

    Sending our sincerest condolences to Jim's Family and Friends on his passing. We worked with and competed against Jim and InVue. A very worthy competitor that taught me much over the years. We hope your Family can take solace in knowing Jim always treated us very fair in our dealings and we always spent time talking about our Families. May he Rest in Peace.