Jimmy Ray Jacumin

Jimmy Ray Jacumin, 89, beloved public servant and respected businessman whose life was marked by leadership, hard work and a deep commitment to his community, departed this life to his heavenly home on Sunday November 23, 2025, at Amorem Hospice in Valdese following a brief illness.

Jim was born on November 15, 1936, in Burke County to the late Emile Martin Jacumin and Mamie Louise Mull Jacumin. A proud 1955 graduate of Valdese High School, he continued his education at North Carolina State University, graduating in 1959 and laying the foundation for a lifetime of professional achievement and service.

Trained as an engineer, Jim founded Jacumin Engineering & Machine Company (JEMCO), a business that reflected his technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.

A dedicated public servant, he served three terms in the North Carolina State Senate (District 44) from 2005 to 2011 and was also on the Burke County Board of Commissioners. He was a proud recipient of the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest honors bestowed by the Governor of North Carolina.

He was the visionary behind the Waldensian Trail of Faith in Valdese, a deeply personal project connecting his heritage to his faith. Through his leadership, the Trail of Faith grew into a 15-exhibit spiritual and historical landmark, built with community support and labor.

In addition to his political and entrepreneurial work, Jim was known for his generosity and commitment to his faith. He contributed to Baptist ministries, serving as a trustee for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Gardner-Webb University, and donating to projects that furthered Christian Education and mission work.

He was a lifetime supporter and advocate of the Boy Scouts of America and was on the Board of Directors of the NC Baptist Children’s Home. In 1986 he was awarded the North Carolina Business Man of the Year award and was also a long-time member of the Gideons International. He also served on the Board of Directors for many years at Valdese General Hospital. Jim was active in his church, East Valdese Baptist Church and faithfully attended Sunday School at Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church in Rutherford College.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife of 57 years, Nancy Nell Simpson Jacumin; his daughter, Mitzi Jacumin Lane; his son-in-law, Mark Douglas Lane; his brothers, Forest Jacumin, Clifford Jacumin, Emile Jacumin, Jr., Ralph Jacumin, Herb Jacumin and Joe Jacumin; and one sister, Virginia Jacumin Leonard.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Dula Jacumin of the home; his children, Marty Jacumin and wife Lori of Rutherford College and Annette Roberts of Lenoir; his grandchildren, Ashley Lane Moody and husband Brad of Hickory, Morgan Jacumin Hall and husband Brandon of Maiden, Jarrett Jacumin and wife Tori of Charlotte, Sarah Jacumin of Boone and Zack Roberts of Lenoir; his great-grandchildren, Nora and Clara Moody, Adalyn and Brody Hall, Kali Roberts and Andrew Roberts.

The family will receive friends on Saturday November 29th, from 12:00-2:00 P.M. at East Valdese Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday November 29, 2025, at East Valdese Baptist Church, officiating Dr. Wil Graham and Dr. Lin Dawson. Interment will follow at Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Waldensian Trail of Faith, PO Box 1256 Valdese, NC 28690 or the Gideons International, PO Box 326 Valdese, NC 28690.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is serving the Jacumin family.