Rev. James Roy Sherwood, Sr.

Reverend James Roy Sherwood Sr., “PawPaw,” passed away peacefully, 90, Friday December 19, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. James was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, minister and friend. James lived a life that touched countless hearts and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and unwavering dedication to his faith.

Born on June 15, 1935, in High Point, North Carolina, James was the beloved son of the late Roy Melvin Sherwood and Etta Mae McIntyre Kapp. From a young age, his faith guided him into a life of ministry and service. At the age of 16 he gave his heart to God. He was ordained at the age of 19 and began a lifelong journey of service to others. His ministry was not confined to the pulpit—he carried it with him in every act of kindness, every prayer spoken, and every person he helped along the way.

Throughout his life, James balanced his deep spiritual calling with hard work and determination. He was the proud owner of his own upholstery business and later a concrete and masonry business. James was a very hard worker and used his skill to provide for his family and to help others build better lives. Whether he was fixing a chair, laying a foundation, or leading a prayer, James dedicated every moment to doing good and doing it with joy.

James held numerous leadership roles within his church, most notably serving as Southern District Overseer for the Church of the Living God. Through his leadership, he encouraged others to live by faith, act with love, and remain steadfast in hope. Many will remember his willingness to pray with anyone in need, whether in church or in passing, and his ever-present sense of humor that could lighten even the heaviest hearts.

Outside of ministry and work, James cherished life’s simple pleasures. He found peace and joy by the water, loved fishing, hunting and golfing, and treasured family trips to Carolina Beach where his mom lived during the summer. His greatest passion, however, was his family. No matter what the need he was only a phone call away. Whether offering financial support, wisdom, laughter, or unconditional love, “PawPaw” was the heart of the Sherwood family and will be missed beyond measure.

James is survived by his devoted wife of sixty years, Katherine Marie Hughes Sherwood, his children, Joe Glenn Sherwood, Flo Lynn Sherwood Myers, James Roy Sherwood Jr., Etta Michelle Sherwood Rivers, and Chrystal Angel Sherwood Duncan. Nineteen grandchildren and many loved great grandchildren. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Ray Sherwood, “Timmy Boy” and daughter, Cheryl Ann Sherwood Coleman and her son Robert Colman Jr.

Friends and family will gather to honor James’s life with a viewing on Friday, December 26th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m at JC Green and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Saturday, December 27th, at 11:00 a.m. at Cloverdale Church of the Living God located at 2502 Surratt Dr. in Archdale and led by General Overseer Donnie Robinette, Pastor Jerry Epps and friend Percy Rogers. Burial will follow at Clarksbury United Methodist Church Cemetery Thomasville NC.

Your work here is done daddy. We will see you on the other side

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.