James Henry Creasy

James Henry Creasy, 92, lovingly known as “Papa” became absent from his body and present with the Lord on Thursday, August 22, 2024. He would like everyone to know that he is now happy, healthy, and healed. He is rejoicing to be promoted to the “cloud of witnesses” with family and friends that he has not seen in a long time. This was made possible because he placed his faith in Jesus Christ.

James was an avid gardener who grew many things, but his family especially enjoyed his salads with secret recipe Ranch Dressing that he finally shared with his daughters. He also went through phases where he was focused on creating different flavors of recipes. It started with popcorn; we endured the buckwheat pancake trials; there was a jalapeno cornbread phase; and it came back full circle to putting everything he could think of to create unique and delicious salads.

James never met a stranger. His kindness and compassion prompted him to invite many guests to Thanksgiving who would otherwise not have had anyone to celebrate with and he taught us that we were “never more blessed than when we were sharing our blessings with others.” He truly was the hands and feet of Jesus.

He loved to fish. He loved to sing. He loved all animals, especially stray dogs and he never understood why people would kill deer. He had an uncanny collection of pigs. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was the self-proclaimed founder and CEO of the “Short People’s Club”. He loved to be with his wife (couldn’t be without her) and make memories with his family!

November 9, 1932, was a good day when James was born to Robert and Lottie Creasy in Mt. Airy, NC. He was the third of nine children. His father unexpectedly passed away at a young age causing James to only receive an 8th grade education. He and his older brothers entered the workforce to help his mother care for the family.

He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-1956 during the Korean War. He loved to tell stories about his time in the Air Force.

In 1957, he married the most beautiful Cuban who he said came over on a banana boat, Hulda Naomi Ramirez (aka “Mima”), and God blessed them with 67 years together!

Despite his limited education, James worked in the hospitality industry all along the East Coast for his entire career. He returned to North Carolina in 1974 as the first manager of the Hyatt House (now the Embassy Suites) in Winston-Salem. He later worked for the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce. He retired as the Vice President of the Radisson Hotel in High Point. In 1985, he started a successful catering company (Creasy’s Catering), which served many people for 30+ years. 

James was a faithful member of Woodland Baptist Church for 50 years. It was there, under the direction of Rev. R. Zeno Groce and later Rev. Tim Gammons along with his Sunday School teacher, Don Walker, that he really grew in his faith. He was honored and grateful for the Ambassadors Sunday School Class where he served as President for many years. Attending the Monte Vista Camp Meeting in Weaverville, NC the week of July 4th each year was also a highlight for him every year and he always wanted everyone to go with him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his five siblings, two sons (Jimmy Samuel Creasy and Jose Audiel Pozo), a son-in-law (Steve Rose), a granddaughter (Moriah Hall), a nephew (Charles Fletcher) and several other dear nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his faithful wife and four of his children - Janet Creasy Rose, Chris Creasy (Sandra), Tammy Creasy Wiles (Tim), Judy Creasy Hall (Mitch); 12 grandchildren - Lauren Rose Holder (Josh), Casie Nail Pruitt, Kristen Creasy Wall (Nick), Tyler Nail, Caleb Hall (Emily), Candi Hall Moser (Jeff), Cory Creasy (Brittany), Cameron Hall (Maria), Cary Hall (Kirby), Micah Hall (Bree), Katie Wiles, and Micayla Hall Kinzer (Cody); 24 great-grandchildren – Aiden Pruitt, Adalyn Pruitt, Noelle Hall, Destini Moser, Eden Wall, Penelope Hall, Malachi Hall, Zoey Holder, Rylee Hall, Noah Hall, Henry Creasy, J.T. Moser, Ellie Hall, Hattie Wall, Logan Hall, Odin Holder,  Lachlan Hall, Isabella Creasy, James Jose Hall, Sawyer Hall, Liliana Hall, Link Hall, Emma Sue Hall and Jacie Mae Hall; a special sister-in-law Loida “Aya” Fletcher (Charlie); and niece Carmen Fletcher Spainhour (Randall) along with many other nieces and nephews who meant the world to him. The family who remains will all be “discussing” who is worthy of his beloved Hee-Haw overalls.

A service celebrating the grace of God, and the life of James will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at Woodland Baptist Church in Rural Hall, NC with the Rev. Tim Gammons and Don Walker officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Burial to follow at King Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Woodland Baptist Church Building Fund.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Henry Creasy. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com.

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