James Willie McInnis

James Willie McInnis, 83, of High Point, North Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Born in Maxton, North Carolina, to Evans and Beatrice McInnis, he moved to High Point at a young age and made the city his lifelong home.

A dynamic and hardworking man, James built a career as a skilled craftsman and businessman. At Guilford Veneer, he trained many in the processing and grading of veneer. He later perfected the art of international veneer sales at Interforest Incorporated, from which he retired. In retirement, he remained active, working at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and buying and selling goods at the flea market in Rockingham, North Carolina. These pursuits allowed him to do what he loved most: meet and engage with people from all walks of life.

He is survived by his life companion, Sylvia McInnis of High Point; his daughter, Kelsie McInnis Dockery of High Point; granddaughter, Tremaine McInnis of Charlotte; great-granddaughter, Raven Roberson of Charlotte; great-grandson, Isaiah McInnis of Greensboro; brothers Thomas (Bessie) McInnis, Earl (Barbara) McInnis, and Thelmoth (Roberta) McInnis, all of High Point; and sisters Minnie Lou Reed of Baltimore, Maryland, Lizzie (Earl) Braswell of High Point, and Flora McInnis of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael Rutherford, and sisters Mary Frances McInnis and Alice Hairiston.

James will be remembered for his friendly persona and outgoing nature. He never met a stranger, easily striking up conversations with anyone and sharing his warm smile and infectious laugh.