James Truette "J.T." Starling

POLKTON - On Monday, March 13, 2023, Mr. James Truette "J.T." Starling, 71, passed away peacefully at his home.

There will be a memorial service at 5:00 PM Friday, March 17, 2023 in the Chapel of Leavitt Funeral Home with Rev. Carroll Anthony officiating, which will include military honors.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home and other times at the home.

J.T. was born April 1, 1951 in Union County, NC and was a son of the late James N. Starling and the late Margaret Elizabeth Jarrell Starling. He was a graduate of Anson High School and a veteran of the United States Army, having served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He was proud of his service to his country.

He worked for a number of years with Bill Davis Grading in Monroe and later retired from the City of Monroe with 21 years of service.

J.T. enjoyed time spent on his farm and gardening. He simply lived life to the fullest. He was an avid motorcycle rider, having formed the Carolina Riders group who were active in the community doing Toy Runs for needy children at Christmas and other community concerns. He was an excellent mechanic and never met a stranger.

A loving and devoted, husband, father, brother, friend and mentor, he is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Diane Wood Starling; his daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Greg Outen of Polkton; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Janet and Jerry McQuage of Morven, Helen and Marshall McGougan of Wadesboro; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Brenda Starling of South Port and his nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Starling and his brother and sister, Harold Starling and Teresa Hudson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.

The arrangements are in care of Leavitt Funeral Home and online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com