James Marvin Pate

James Marvin Pate, 80, of Hubert, North Carolina, passed away on March 7, 2026. Born on July 9, 1945, in Hubert to Eugene and Effie Pate, James spent his entire life in the community he loved. He attended Swansboro schools, remained a lifelong member of Queen’s Creek Methodist Church, and raised his family in the same area where he had grown up.

James worked for 29 years with the Lance Corporation, serving in various roles including branch manager and trainer. He was respected for his expertise and strong work ethic, and he enjoyed collecting Lance memorabilia to share with his children and grandchildren. Later, he spent 13 years driving for the Onslow United Transit System. On May 2, 1980, he married Emily Joy Pate. Together they shared 45 years of marriage, raising their children and cherishing time with their grandchildren. James was known for his booming laugh and good-natured jokes that brought warmth to his family.

An avid sports fan, James gave generously of his time as an umpire, referee, and coach in the Hubert community. He followed the New York Yankees and Washington Redskins, but his deepest loyalty belonged to the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

He is survived by his loving wife, Emily Joy Pate; his daughters, Rebecca Zornado (Robert) of Oceanside, California, Eve Ramos (John) of San Antonio, Texas, Tiffany McCracken (Jason) of Conway Springs, Kansas, Deborah Snel of Hubert, North Carolina, and Nancie Pate (Steven) of Hubert, North Carolina; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren, all of whom will deeply miss their Papa.