Mr. Robert James Hassel Jr.

July 15, 1951 ~ February 21, 2026

Born in: Nash County, N.C
Resided in: Wilmington, NC

Wilmington – Robert “Bobby” Hassel James, Jr., age 74, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Born in Nash County, NC on July 15, 1951, he was the son of the late Robert Hassel James, Sr. and Thelma Jewel Howard James. He was also preceded in death by his niece, Haley James.

Bobby was a Navy veteran stationed in Beeville, TX, where he was severely injured while on duty on the military base. After a long recovery, he was able to live on his own for a short while. Bobby was a lifetime member of Englewood United Methodist Church. He also was a member of the Jaycees, which he thoroughly loved and enjoyed. As his health declined Bobby was forced to go into Assisted Living in Rocky Mount. After several years, he moved to Wilmington to be near his brother, Mike. A caring and devoted brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Bobby will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Bobby is survived by his brother, Michael “Mike” James (Kelley) of Wilmington; his sister, Sandra Leigh James of Wilmington; his nephew, Michael James, Jr. (Renee) of Edwardsville, IL; his niece, Anna James Mintz (Trey) of Wilmington; his great-nephews, Miller Mintz and Lawson Mintz of Wilmington; and several extended family members and good friends.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Bobby’s life will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Nathan Wittman officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Englewood United Methodist Church Narthex.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bobby’s memory to Englewood United Methodist Church, PO Box 7128, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 or the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place, Alexandria, VA 22312.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.