James E. Vandiver, Jr., 77, a native Charlottean and resident of Huntersville for more than 40 years, was called home on June 18, 2015. Jim was the definition of a positive attitude, never worrying about anything and always having a GREAT day. A retired NASCAR driver, Jim enjoyed success as an independent driver and was the actual winner of the 1969 inaugural Talladega race, though he described his family as his greatest accomplishment. Jim is survived by, according to him, “the 4 greatest kids anybody could ever ask for” including son Emory Vandiver and wife CJ of Belmont, son Rhett Vandiver of Davidson, daughter Nicole Bryan and husband Callan of Davidson and daughter Shannon Vandiver of Cornelius. He is also survived by brother Tommie Vandiver, sister Lillian Hoopaugh and grandchildren Rhett Vandiver, Blake Vandiver, Marlo Vandiver, Cal Bryan, Lily Bryan and Will Bryan. Jim’s parents, James E. Vandiver, Sr. and Lillian Fesperman Vandiver, went before him to glory.

The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 22nd at Jim’s church of over 40 years, Huntersville United Methodist Church with a viewing at 3:30 p.m.  Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim’s life, as he requested, with a party afterwards at The Pearl Wedding and Events Center in Cornelius at 5:30 p.m. A private burial will be held at Northlake Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Huntersville United Methodist Church.

James Funeral Home is serving the family. www.jamesfuneralhomeLKN.com