James Walter Fite

Mr. James “Jim” Walter Fite, 89, of Lattimore, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 29, at his home. It was a day full of family and friends visiting him one last time, telling stories, and saying their goodbyes.

Born January 26, 1936, to the late Nallie and Nettie Fite, he grew up on a farm and was the first of his family to go to college. He graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Biology from Appalachian State University; however, he humbly described himself as a country boy with a little education. After graduating, he went on to become a much-loved and respected teacher, spending thirty-eight years at Cleveland County Schools, Gardner–Webb University, and Cleveland Community College. He loved to teach and was always eager to share his knowledge with students as well as family and friends.

He is survived by a son, Steve Fite and wife JoAnn of Shelby, NC, a daughter-in-law, Ann White, four grandchildren, Kayla Huss and husband Nathan, Janna Huffman and husband Robbie, Jason Fite, and Ethan Fite and wife Monica, two great-grandchildren, Abigail and Emma Huss, and special friend Dot Morgan who was by his side until the very end.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Polly Fite, a son, Scott Fite, a granddaughter, Melinda Fite, and four brothers, Henry, George, Hal, and Mac.

He loved traveling around the world with his late wife Polly. They visited many countries and had a great many stories and pictures that they were always eager to share.

Jim became a woodworker in his spare time and spent many hours in his shop making crafts to sell at local craft fairs. He also had a love for the outdoors, spending a lot of time walking in the woods and around the town of Lattimore. Photography was one of his interests and he later used the pictures he took on his walks and travels to paint beautiful, colorful paintings. Often, he gave these paintings away for others to enjoy. He was a very generous person and always happy.

A very special thanks to his caregivers, Jessica, Julie, and Shae. They spent a lot of time with Jim, taking care of all his needs, allowing him to stay at home.

A visitation for family and friends to connect will be on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Lattimore Baptist Church from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, with a funeral service to begin at 3:00 pm at the church, officiated by Dr. Jim Richardson and Dr. Max Burgin. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers include Jason Fite, Ethan Fite, Nathan Huss, Steve Jones, Daren Poole-Adams, and Michael Fite.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jim’s lifelong church, Lattimore Baptist Church, P.O. Box 188, Lattimore, NC 28089.

To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.

A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc. 2518 West Dixon Blvd., Shelby, NC 28152 704-487-5811