James "Jim" Krautheim McNiff, Jr.

Rocky Mount – James “Jim” Krautheim McNiff, Jr., age 62, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026.  He was born in East Lansing, MI on October 13, 1963.  Jim was preceded in death by his father, James Krautheim McNiff, Sr.

Jim was a sailor at heart. He earned his bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University and was a true Pirate through and through.  An outdoorsman who found deep satisfaction in the simple pleasures of life, Jim loved building a fire, splitting wood, and feeling the wind fill a sail.  Over the course of his sailing life, he logged enough nautical miles to have circumnavigated the globe, a testament to just how much of himself he gave to the water.  Jim spent a long and distinguished career in foodservice supply chain distribution, retiring as a manager after years of dedicated service.  Above all else, Jim’s greatest accomplishment was his two sons, Clay and Gus, of whom he was immeasurably proud.  He was rarely without his faithful canine companion, Riley, who was always by his side.  Jim had a laugh that was infectious and a sense of humor that never quit.  He will be remembered for the miles he sailed, the fires he built, and the joy he brought to everyone fortunate enough to share the journey with him.

Jim is survived by his wife of 30 years, Allyson Blair Price McNiff; his sons, James “Clay” McNiff and Gus McNiff; his mother, Nancy Brouwers McNiff; his brother, Thomas Edward McNiff (Linda); his nieces, Laura Wynn (Tanner) and Ann Marie McNiff, his nephew, Peter McNiff; and his canine companion, Riley.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Pastor Leniyus Sullivan officiating.  Visitation with the family will follow the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services until 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to Rocky Mount Academy, 1313 Avondale Ave., Rocky Mount, NC  27803; or YMCA Camp Sea Gull, 801 Corporate Center Drive, Suite 200, Raleigh, NC  27607; or High Point University, 1 N. University Pkwy, High Point, NC  27262.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & 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.