James "Jim" Broyles

After many years of battling diabetes and its complications, James “Jim” Broyles, 85, of Roper, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 25th, 2025, when his heart finally gave out.

Born on March 1, 1940, in Westbourne, TN, to the late Clyde Edward Broyles and Hazel Cofer Broyles, James, or “Jim”, as many knew him, was one of four children and the devoted husband of 67 years to his loving wife, Phyllis Simpson Broyles.

James was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, a loyal patriot, and quiet, law-abiding citizen. An engineer for much of his career, Jim was known for his creative ingenuity and ability to fix or build just about anything. He loved hunting, fishing and car racing.

He was known as a man of few words who never sought recognition, but whose actions of compassion and generosity spoke volumes in his church and community. He was a real salt-of-the-earth type of man– humble, dependable, and hardworking. His love for family fueled his constant determination and work ethic.

Jim had a strong faith in God and a steady moral compass. He was a family man– fiercely devoted to the love of his life, Phyllis, and also his children, grandchildren, & great grandchildren, whom he cherished and by whom he was adored.

Through God's grace & power, this ordinary, mountain boy from Chattanooga, Tennessee, with a quick wit and mischievous grin, became the progenitor of a diverse family that stretches from Ghana, to India, to France, and back to America.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, & 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, and Jackson Osebreh; and 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, and Aubrey Tann.

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.

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