Jim Roland Jr.

James Ivan (Jim) Roland, Jr., 67 of 1802 Arbor Way Dr., went home to be with his Lord on March 6, 2010 at Hospice Cleveland County.  Jim was born December 14, 1942 in Franklin, NC to James I. Sr., and Florence Virginia Henson Roland.  His parents, upon recognizing that God had given Jim a special talent, moved to Raleigh when he was in the fourth grade so he could become involved in organized little league baseball.  Upon graduation from Broughton High School, Jim was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 1962.  He spent 10 years in professional baseball as a pitcher for Minnesota, Oakland A’s, NY Yankees, and Texas Rangers.  During his professional career, Jim lived out Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”  Upon completion of a professional baseball career, Jim became a sales consultant for sporting goods.  His business career allowed him to be involved in what he loved and the opportunity to share his Christian witness with coaches and young athletes across the Southeast.  He retired from E.C. Frazier & Associates, Inc. in January 2010.

 Jim was a member of Elizabeth Baptist Church and the Joyce Roberts Sunday School class.  He is best remembered for his love of others, his generosity, and his compassion toward those in need.  Jim’s witness was truly demonstrated this past year as he fought a courageous battle with cancer. As Jim finished his game of life, he entered through the gates of his eternal home and was most certainly greeted with the words, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

Jim is survived by wife, Vicki W. Roland of the home; son, James I. (Jimmy) Roland III, Winter Garden, FL; three daughters: Jan R. Heckman (Mike), and Lori R. Swope (James), both of Winter Garden, FL, Megan R. Torgerson (Bill), Stratford, CT; stepson, Chad F. Spangler (Carmen), Augusta, GA; brother, George Gary Roland of Franklin, NC; mother-in-law, Grace P. Whiten, Gaffney, SC; 11 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 11:00 at Elizabeth Baptist church with Dr. Rit Varriale, Dr. Danny West, Dr. Wayne Brown, and Dr. Alice Cullinan officiating.  Family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery on College Dr., Gaffney, SC on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 1:00 with Dr. Rit Varriale and Mr. Guy Duvall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Diversified Ministries, P.O. Box 70777, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572.

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