James "Jim" Broyles

Born on March 1, 1940, in Westbourne, TN, to the late Clyde Edward Broyles and Hazel Cofer Broyles, James (Jim) was one of four children and the devoted husband of 67 years to Phyllis Simpson Broyles. A God-fearing family man and Navy Veteran who served his country and community went home to be with the Lord on September 25, 2025. Jim was a member of Roper Baptist Church.

An engineer for much of his career, Jim was known for his creative ingenuity and ability to fix or build just about anything. An avid hunter, he enjoyed many hunting trips with father-in-law, Howard Simpson, his son Greg, grandson David and several great grandchildren.

Early in his retirement, Jim served with Baptist Men’s Disaster Relief in Gulf Port, Mississippi, after the devastating hurricane, Katrina. Chronic health problems limited his ability to serve, but he was most happy when surrounded by his family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jim was quick to take out his phone and pull up family pictures to show to anyone who would take time to listen to his “grandpa boasting”. As he had a servant’s heart, so his legacy lives on in the lives of his children serving in Ghana, Africa; Kerala, India; Marseille, France; the Outer Banks; and in our local community.

Known for his quick wit and mischievous grin and no room for self-pity, Jim encouraged everyone to “do the best you can with what you have”. Even tempered, never critical, always encouraging others– that was the husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather we all loved and who loved us back.

Charities which he faithfully supported were the following: Tunnels to Towers whose mission is to provide help to families of any community servants who lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as housing for homeless veterans. Samaritans Purse is widely involved in disaster relief from devastating hurricanes, floods, fires etc.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and daughter, Beverly Davis.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Phyllis Broyles; son, Gregory Broyles (Debbie); daughter, Sherrie Hostetter (Jeff); son-in-law, Willie Davis; grandchildren, Jo Beth Elliott, David Broyles (Katie), Jessica Osebreh (Attah), Rebecca Thomas (Binoy), Jeremiah Hostetter (Brittney), Megan Ramsey (Joe), Ethan Davis (Ciara), Mister Davis (Daja), Diamond Davis, & Jackson Osebreh; great grandchildren, Liam Elliott, Nolan Elliott, Hattie Broyles, Zion Osebreh, Havilah Osebreh, Nile Osebreh, Gilead Osebreh, Galilee Osebreh, Cyrene Osebreh, Mareshah Osebreh, Anastasia Thomas, Isaiah Thomas, Hadassah Thomas, Elijah Thomas, Victoria Thomas, Hannah Hostetter, Jonathan Hostetter, Carys Hostetter, Trenton Phelps, Ava Ramsey, Kaiden Davis, Christian Davis, Carmen Davis, Kenya Davis, Kehlani Davis, Aubrey Tann; and also, nieces, nephews and numerous other friends and family.

A memorial service will be held by the family at 11:00 A.M. on October 2, 2025, at Roper Baptist Church in Roper, NC.

Jim Broyles will be dearly missed by all his family.

Flowers are acceptable, or to honor Jim’s memory, you can donate to Roper Baptist Church or one of his favorite charities– Tunnels to Towers, Samaritan’s Purse, or the charity of your choice.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC, is assisting the family with arrangements & online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com