James Rudolph Manning

Long time Alaska resident, Dr. James Rudolph Manning, age 83, went to heaven to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 28, 2017. Born in Nash County, NC on October 5, 1933, he was the son of the late William Edwin Manning and Mae Taylor Manning. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elaine S. Manning. James was raised in rural North Carolina, attended Bailey High School, and some of his fondest childhood memories were of his persistent efforts to attain the Eagle Scout honor. While serving with the US Army stationed in Alaska, he met and married his wife, Elaine. The two returned to Nash county where they began building their family together in 1955. In 1959, James earned his B.S. from Atlantic Christian College. He continued to pursue his education to eventually be awarded a Doctor of Education in 1986. James was a dedicated educator who spent 15 years teaching and serving as an administrator for the Virginia Department of Education. James dedicated a large portion of his time to activities such as Future Business Leaders of America, Boy Scouts, and Little League Baseball. He went on to become a manager and director for ITT Educational Services before he retired in 1988. Retirement did nothing to slow James down. After moving back to Alaska, he and Elaine were active members of Mendeltna Community Church and became cornerstones in their community. While he wasnt standing in the front of a classroom every day, James passion for shaping young minds was evident through his work in the community. James was a child at heart and loved being around young people. He was a bus driver for the Copper River School District, accompanying school kids on athletic trips, for 15 years. One of his proudest achievements was the first page of a year book where the twelfth-grade graduating class honored him as their only bus driver since kindergarten. James also enjoyed working alongside Elaine as an EMT and ETT instructor. He was proud to serve on the Copper Valley Electric Association board of directors for nine years, five as president. James clever and creative business mind allowed him to stay involved in the community while caring for his wife who was fighting a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Some of James many business ventures include Jims Dogs hotdog truck and a heater supply service he hosted in a shed near his house. Amidst all his accomplishments, James most treasured moments were those spent with his loved ones. He remained by his wifes side, caring for her for the duration of her life. His last years were spent with friends and family, and he especially enjoyed doting on his seven great-grandkids. His adventurous spirit led him to travel to many places, including Europe and South America. Even the last day of his life was spent taking a trip to one of his favorite places, the Outer Banks, NC, where he enjoyed a sunny stroll on the beach. James is survived by his daughter, Loretta Manning Sherrick and husband, Joseph, of Rocky Mount, NC; and son, James Rudolph Manning II and wife, Renee, of Silverdale, WA. He is also survived by grandchildren, Kyle William Bartley and wife, Tonya, of Flat Rock, NC; and Evan James Bartley and wife, Mandy of Greenville, NC; and great-grandchildren, Logan, Avery, Levi, Silas, and Rowan Bartley, of Flat Rock; and Haven and Trevor Bartley, of Greenville. A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Bailey United Methodist Church, 12437 Green Street, Bailey, NC with Pastor Michael Coppock officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bailey United Methodist Church Youth Ministry, 12437 Green Street, Bailey, NC 27807. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.