James Ingram Obituary

Ingram, James Dal

October 28, 1934 - April 30, 2023

James Dal Ingram was born October 28, 1934, and crossed the Jordan River on Sunday, April 30, 2023, where his wife of nearly 60 years, Vivian Ingram, was waiting. Jim had three goals in life: follow Christ, be a coach, and become a US Marine. Jim was raised in a Christian home by Harry Sr and Meredith Ingram in Cliffside, N.C. He grew up with his late older brother, Harry Jr, and his late older sister, Laverne. He faithfully served Christ through a lifelong involvement in church. He sang in the choir for many years and served as choir director at times. He was a deacon at each church Jim and Vivian attended, and served on a pastor search committee several times across the years. He also gave generously of his resources to help those in need, including his time at King Outreach Ministry and, more recently, Meals on Wheels. Jim earned his bachelor's degree in education at Western Carolina College in 1957 before joining the Marine Corps. He left the Marine Corps in 1960 and began teaching at Salem High School in Morganton. He excelled there as he coached football and girls' basketball. Then in 1967 he re-enlisted in the USMC. Later he earned his masters degree in education from the University of Virginia. Once Jim retired from the Marine Corps in 1984, he became the JROTC instructor at South Stokes High School until his retirement in 2000. He had also served as the Athletic Director at South Stokes, followed by years in the role of commissioner for the NCHSAA Northwest Conference after he retired. He dutifully served his country for 25 years, including a tour in Vietnam. During his tenure, he rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. As stated in the last line of the Marine Corps Hymn, Jim can now guard the streets of Heaven as a United States Marine. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Ingram of King; sons: Michael (JayLynn) Ingram of Spokane, Washington, Marcus (Karen) Ingram of Fayetteville, and Matthew (Carla) of Granite Falls; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; along with sister-in-law, Doris Ingram of Morganton; and several nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the coming months. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Meals On Wheels: Stokes County Senior Services or Joan and Howard Holtz Hospice Home, Dobson, NC. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.