James Darold Landreth

James Darold Landreth, affectionately known as ‘Darold’ to family and friends in the South and ‘Jim’ to those who knew him in the North.

Jim went to be with his Lord on October 21, 2026 which was his 88th birthday. This day also holds great significance since he chose this date to marry the love of his life, stating that by getting married on his birthday, he would never forget his wedding anniversary. Since his wife had passed before him, we can only imagine the celebration that they shared, once again reunited.

Jim met his wife, Owilla, on a blind date—although technically, she wasn’t his date. He had gone out with one of her friends, but it didn’t take him long to realize that Owilla was the one who had caught his eye. His original date was soon forgotten, and a love story began that endured for 67 years.

Jim was born in Lansing, North Carolina to Blanch and Avery Landreth. He grew up in the mountains with his older brother and best friend, Harold. In later years, his brother would introduce him to the game of golf which they enjoyed playing together. One of the highlights of their games, was when Jim hit a hole in one.

Soon after marrying, Jim headed North in search of work and opportunity. He labored on a farm while attending barber school in Wilmington, Delaware. Through hard work and determination, he eventually became the owner of ‘Jim’s Barber Shop’, where he made a living and shared many stories, conversations and jokes from behind the barber chair. He was an avid sports fan and faithfully watched the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles, claiming that he needed to be able to talk about the games with his clients in the barber shop. During this time, he also became known on the CB radio by his handle, ‘Clipper’, which was a nod to his livelihood. He eventually passed this business on to the Fragale Brothers. Their father had been Jim’s business partner and passed when the boys were very young. He took them under his wing, and they become like sons to him. In turn, their children treated Jim as a grandfather figure and that brought him much joy.

Jim and his wife traveled throughout the country on his motorcycle as members of the Piston Poppers. They also went on a number of cruises and flew to many different destinations, enjoying experiences together and with friends. His final travel adventure was to South Dakota, spending quality time with his family and making lasting memories.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed raising Beagles and competing them in field trials, taking great pride in his dogs and their abilities and earning many championship titles. He bought a boat, and became a member of the Bass Fishing Club, competing in fishing tournaments. He enjoyed hunting of nearly every kind, including deer, turkey, bear and the occasional groundhog. He also hunted with bow and arrow and shot in competitions. Jim’s freezer had a constant supply of venison, a testament to the mastery of his marksmanship.

Jim enjoyed bowling and participated in a bowling league for many years. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and appreciated the fellowship and community associated with the organization.

Those who knew Jim, knew that there was very little he could not repair, build, or problem solve. He was exceptionally capable with his hands and possessed the kind of practical knowledge that allowed him to fix nearly anything. His daughters would always proclaim ‘Daddy can fix it; he can fix anything!’ Among his many projects, he single-handedly built an entire horse barn on the weekends for his daughter.

Jim also took great pride in his garden. It was rarely a small undertaking; he grew enough vegetables to graciously share with friends and neighbors. His garden reflected both his love of working the land and his generous spirit.

Jim leaves behind a lifetime of stories, accomplishments, friendships, and cherished memories that will continue to be shared by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

James Darold Landreth is survived by his daughters Patricia Ann Johnson (Mike) and Pamela Diane Thompson (Chuck Freese) both of Cochranville, PA. His brother’s wife and daughter, Val Landreth and Dawn (Buzz) Crenshaw; sister-in-laws Mary Elliott of West Jefferson, NC; Peggy (David) Richardson of Creston, NC; Kathy (Richard) Bryant of Ararat, NC; Carol Lea Pennington of Creston, NC. He was predeceased in death by his wife, Owilla of Cochranville, PA; mother, Blanch Landreth and father Avery Landreth, both of Lansing, NC; brother Harold Landreth of Troutman, NC; brother-In-laws, Joseph Glenn Pennington of Creston, NC and Ivan Elliot of West Jefferson.

Family & friends will be received Saturday, October 31, 2026 at the Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, 3470 U.S. Highway 221 North, Crumpler, NC 28617 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, with services performed by Rev. Jonathon Eggers immediately following the visitation. Burial will be at the Ashelawn Cemetery. Friends are welcome to join the family at the funeral home for a luncheon following the services.

Special thanks to the pallbearers: Chuck Freese, Mike Johnson, Jody Pennington, Mike Richardson, Brian Allen, Jessie Davis, Darren Davis, BJ Davis, Jonathan Cornett & Sheyenne Mullis.

A memorial service to honor James Darold Landreth will also be held at Faith Bible Chapel, 140 Bernard Avenue, Cochranville, PA on November 7, 2026 at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow. A special thanks to Pastor Scott & Debbie Althouse for their support and ongoing love towards Jim and his family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Barry Fragale Special Needs Trust, c/o Fragale Brothers Barber Shop, 105 South Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Jenner’s Pond Senior Living and Willow Tree Hospice for the compassion and exceptional care that they provided to Jim over the past year. Thanks also to Tina Simmers for all of her kindness and support.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through the website at www.ashelawn.com.