James "Jim" Vance Viverette

ROCKY MOUNT – James “Jim” Vance Viverette, age 89, Chief Warrant Officer 4, U.S. Army, Retired, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026.

Born in Edgecombe County, NC, on November 9, 1936, he was the son of the late James (JR) Roy Viverette, Jr. and Marjorie (Margie) Naomi Cox Viverette Dickens. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby Mae Vick Viverette, and his brother, Robert (Bobby) Lewis Viverette.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Angela (Angi) D. Baker of Chesapeake, VA; his son, J. (Vance) Viverette II of Rocky Mount, NC; and his niece, Robin V. Bryant (JT) of Enfield, NC.

Jim graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1955. He entered military service in the U.S. Army on September 21, 1955. Throughout his distinguished military career, he rose steadily through the ranks and was appointed Warrant Officer 1 in August 1967. He proudly served his country for 30 years, retiring from the U.S. Army as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, the highest Warrant Officer rank at that time, on October 31, 1985.

During his 30 years of military service, Jim served in France, Korea twice, Germany twice, and Vietnam three times, as well as at numerous stateside posts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

He was decorated on numerous occasions, including the award of the Combat Infantry Badge; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Army Commendation Medal with three clusters; Meritorious Service Medal with two clusters; Good Conduct Medal with four clusters; Vietnamese Service Medal; Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Army Presidential Unit Citation; Army Valorous Unit Award; Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Medal; Army Service Medal; Overseas Service Medal; and National Defense Service Medal.

He continued his education throughout his military career, attending numerous military schools and earning degrees from Cameron University in Lawton, Oklahoma, and the University of Maryland in Frankfurt, Germany.

Jim loved fishing, especially the many days spent fishing with his beloved wife, Ruby, whom he married in Rocky Mount on September 24, 1961. One of his favorite pastimes was teaching youngsters to water ski at Lake Gaston alongside his brother, Bobby. He would always offer one final piece of advice: “No matter what happens, never let go of the rope.” Of course, no one ever seemed to heed that advice!

After retiring from the U.S. Army, Jim became an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time on the golf course. He was a devoted and loving father whose kindness, humor, and generous spirit touched the lives of many. Jim will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and not ever forgotten.

A Special Gathering of Family and Friends to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Burial with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Ave., Arlington, VA 22211. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Nash County Veterans Services, 120 W Washington St., Nashville, NC 27856.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who provided loving care and companionship over the past six months: Ann Griffin, Valencia Williams, Nika Debro, Quila Benton, Ashley Brown, Miccah Tillery, and Jai Moore, as well as the numerous others who contributed to his care during this time. We are deeply grateful for their kindness, patience, compassion, and dedication.

The family would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to the doctors, nurses, therapists, aides, and entire staff at UNC Nash and The Lodge for the care, compassion, and kindness they showed. Their support and dedication brought comfort and reassurance during a difficult time and will always be remembered with sincere appreciation.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.