May 4. Jim Warren, the executive director of The Carolina Raptor Center in Huntersville, passed away Friday due to cancer. He had been with Raptor Center for 16 years, 11 as executive director. Earlier this year he announced plans to retire in June.

“I feel fortunate to have served at Jim’s side,” said Julie Knutson, chair of the Raptor Center board.

Jim is survived by his wife of 26 years, Pam, his son, Andrew and his dog, Wyatt.

Raptor Center photo

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date at the Quest Center at Latta Nature Preserve. The Carolina Raptor Center will be communicating the details.

To read his obituary, click here.

Chamber award

Ironically, Warren received the John R. Cherry Community Service Award for his civic involvement from the Lake Norman Chamber last week, on the evening before his passing.

He had led the partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation during the last 15 years that resulted in the opening of Quest in 2021, an environmental education and outdoor adventure destination. He raised $3.1 million in the successful first phase of the Quest Capital Campaign and during the past few years received the largest gifts in the organization’s history, according to the chamber.

“I can’t believe how fast the past sixteen years have flown by; pun intended,” Warren said as he announced his retirement. “It has been an honor and pleasure being part of such a tremendous flock – I can’t help the puns. The Raptor Center is a remarkable organization that has served this community since 1975. As one of the Executive Directors who have served as stewards, I am proud of what the team has accomplished.”