James Piner

Obituary James Allen Piner, 84, of Beaufort, NC died April 1st of 2016 at Crystal Bluffs Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday the 6th at 10:00 am at the St. Pauls Episcopal Church cemetery with the Reverend John Carlisto officiating. Jim was born in Beaufort on June 25, 1931 to Hugh T. and Margaret G. Piner. He developed into a very accomplished baseball pitcher and pitched for East Carolina while in college as well as playing many "semi-pro" games into his early twenties. He was in the ROTC at East Carolina and joined the US Air Force after graduating with a teaching degree. He initially became a navigator but ultimately achieved his goal and dream of being a pilot. He started out flying jets but ultimately flew the much larger B-52 bombers and C-130 transport planes. In Vietnam he participated in the battle of Khe Sahn, often sliding supplies out the back of the plane without completely stopping on the ground. Many of the missions involved enemy gunfire and because of his participation, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also remembered fondly the thrill of being able to break the sound barrier while flying jets. When asked about his accomplishments in his life he most often mentioned two. One was his flying career but the second and undoubtedly the most important of his accomplishments was when Laura Davis said yes when he asked her to marry him. They met in Beaufort when her father retired there from his career in the Navy and he never loved another. His "Bird" was the love of his life and his everything until her death in 2002. He spent his weekends in college thumbing to Chapel Hill to see her and doted on her with just as much love and passion as they aged together. He had an addictive personality and there was never a stronger addiction for him than her. He was never the same after her death. Most of us will also remember him for his passion for UNC athletics and particularly basketball which usually required precedence over almost all other activities when they were playing on TV. He lived to play golf in his retirement years, barely able to wait for daylight each day to play again. He managed 5 holes in one, two of them on consecutive days. His devoted companion "Josh" passed in July of this past year and Jims decline was undeniable following that loss. Were sure theyre enjoying a wonderful reunion. He was preceded in death by Laura and his parents. He is survived by his three children, Meg Risser and her husband Don of Cary, NC. , Jud Piner and his wife Gina of Burleson, Texas and also by Brad Piner and his wife Donna of Beaufort. He was additionally survived by six grandchildren and five great grand children. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Beaufort Historical Association, 150 Turner Street, Beaufort, NC 28516 or Boys and Girls Club of Coastal Carolina, P. O. Box 1514, Morehead City, NC 28557. Following the service family and friends are invited to gather at 1915 Front Street, Beaufort, NC. Graveside Service 10:00 AM ,Wednesday, April 6, 2016 St. Paul's Cemetery 215 Ann Street Beaufort, NC 28516 Gathering of Family and Friends Following Service 1915 Front Street Beaufort, NC 28516 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of James Piner