On September 8, 2026, James Albert Sarvis, age 80, joined his Savior on peaceful, eternal shores. He was a man of deep faith, steady wisdom, and a love for the Waccamaw River. James knew that life, much like the river, was full of unexpected bends and winding currents. Yet through it all, he remained steadfast, trusting the Lord to safely guide him and his family through the waters.
Born on December 4, 1945, in Whiteville, North Carolina, to the late Tommie and Dorothy Sarvis, James grew up with a deep respect for the world God created. He learned the value of a hard day’s work early on, a trait that would define his entire life. A proud veteran, James served his country with dedication in the Army and the National Guard. His tireless work ethic carried him to provide for his family, from the sun-baked rows of tobacco farming to working as a lineman. If there was honest, hard work to be done, James was the man to do it.
He also spent much of his time working to preserve the creation he loved, serving as a fully volunteer member of the Columbus County Soil and Water Board. As the board’s longest-serving member with over 20 years of dedication, he was a true steward of the land, but his heart truly belonged to the water.
If you were looking for him, he could almost certainly be found on his boat. A master at catfishing, he spent countless hours navigating the winding bends of the Waccamaw. He knew the quiet current, the best spots to fish, and the peaceful stillness of that river better than anyone. When he wasn’t on the water, he was found right at home: tending to a warm fire, or resting in his favorite chair listening to the hum of a NASCAR race in the background, with an ice-cold Sun Drop in his hand.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and Dorothy Sarvis, and his son-in-law, Harry “Sonny” Hart Jr. He leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by his devoted wife, Yvonne Sarvis; his daughter, Melissa Hart; his son, Jamie Sarvis and his wife, Emily; and his beloved grandchildren, Josh, Madison (and husband Colvet), Mia, Logan, and Lily. He is also survived by his siblings, Ferbee Sarvis, Judy Barefoot, Jimmy Sarvis, and Annette Smith, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
James anchored his life on the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ. He trusted the Lord and lived out his faith through his tireless work ethic, an honest life, and a steady, enduring love for those around him. We find great comfort in knowing he was greeted at the heavenly gates by his Lord, finally fishing where the waters are perfectly still.
His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Peacocks Chapel with Rev. Chris Stanley officiating. Burial will follow at Campside Independent Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers will be Wesley Barbour, Edward Davis, Steve Long, “Rat” Chris Lee, Grant Norris and Bradley Thompkins.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
peacock funeral home
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