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April 15, 1931 – April 2, 2024

Kitty Hawk, NC – James Ludlow “Jim” Goes, 92, of Kitty Hawk, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2024, in Virginia Beach, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on April 15, 1931 in Far Hills, NJ to the late Louis Lynn Goes and Beatrice Adele Ludlow Goes.

Jim shared many stories of the memories of growing up on his family’s dairy farm in Long Valley, NJ. He was the middle of three boys, enjoying a childhood filled with adventure and mischief. After graduating from Hackettstown High School, Jim went on to major in pharmaceutical science and administration at Temple University, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Jeanette, who was studying to become a nurse at Temple as well. After receiving his degree in pharmacy from Temple, Jim also furthered his education at Harvard Business School. His successful pharmacy career afforded his family a life of adventure and travel, which led to the most wonderful memories of their family’s life growing up. The most notable of his career successes was working in pharmaceutical production management for Burroughs Wellcome, where he traveled the world, constructing and upgrading pharmaceutical facilities in the US, The United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, Egypt, Zambia, Indonesia, and Central America. Some of the best childhood memories were of growing up in Monterrey, Mexico where they lived from 1965-1971, as Jim served as general manager, responsible for building plants in several indigenous communities. After retiring from his 30 year pharmaceutical career, in 1988, Jim and his family decided to call the Outer Banks of NC home. After retirement, Jim was recruited to work for International Executive Service Corps where he spent his time and expertise continuing to help build and upgrade pharmaceutical plants in third world and under developed countries. Jim exhibited a true servant’s heart, and to know him was to love him.

The love Jim had for his country was evident by the number of years he spent serving in the Army as a sharp shooter instructor in Fort Lee, Va, the Naval Reserves, and ultimately ending his military career in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He served in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Outer Banks Flotilla 1607 for 25 years, as a qualified crewman, coxswain, vessel examiner, radio operator, and boating instructor. During his time in USCG Auxiliary, he had the pleasure of training the public in boating safety, while also having the difficult task of assisting in search and rescue operations. He would tell everyone that the most enjoyable part of this portion of his military career was the chance to work with the exceptional men and women of the USCG during joint operational trainings. Jim was also very involved in The Dare Blade Collectors Society, being an active member since its inception, and also stepping in to serve as President of the blade club following the passing of the groups founder, Carl Bornfriend.

As much as Jim was proud of his work and military service, he was most proud of his family and that showed in every facet of his life. He and Jeanette Elliott Goes married on June 12, 1953, after meeting in college. Soon their family grew as they welcomed a daughter, Cindy, in 1955, and a son, Jamie, in 1958. Jim remained very close to his brothers and all three families vacationed and traveled together, raising nine cousins to be more like brothers and sisters. These cousins would famously (or infamously) become known as “The Goes 9”.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his late wife, Jeanette Elliott Goes, an older brother and sister in law, Robert and Pat Goes, a younger brother and sister in law, Christopher and Elaine Goes, a nephew, Robbie Goes (AKA #3 of “The Goes 9”) and his son in law (whom he treated like a son) Frank Stallings.

Left surviving and honoring his memory are his daughter, Cindy Goes (Point Harbor and also #4 of “The Goes 9”), his son, Jamie Goes (Kill Devil Hills, #5 of “The Goes 9”), granddaughters Robin Stallings Ham (Coleman) of Wilmington, and Shannon Stallings Natole (Bob) of Powells Point, great granddaughters Katin, Hannah, Madison, Caroline, and Olivia, and a great grandson, Nicholas, a cousin, Steve Lindabury, and a niece, Lori Harvest. Jim is also survived by the remainder of “The Goes 9” including Jane Devall (Jimmy), Lynne Cole (Bill), Sharon Kroone (Steve), Chris Goes (Stephanie), Susie Goes Mansdoerfer (Mike), Wendy Moore (Jeff), and 12 great nieces and nephews, whom will cherish wonderful memories of him forever. Additionally, he will be lovingly remembered by Victor and Debbie Díaz, who were like children of his, as well as David and Stormy Knight, The Lenz family, and his special friend, Gayle Goetschius. Jim was a lover of all animals and sadly leaves behind his beloved cat, Bert. You would most often find Jim enjoying his favorite restaurants, and will certainly be missed by his treasured friends at Chilli Peppers, JK’s and Henry’s, just to name a few of the places where he made such a loving and lasting impression.

As smart as Jim was, what many people enjoyed the most about him was his bigger than life personality, huge sense of humor, and quick witted comments. He would light up any room he walked in, and was always the life of the party. His stories were endless and he kept everyone laughing – he was quite the entertainer!

Jim had many names – Dad, Daddy, PeePaw, Uncle Jim, Uncle Jimmy, Mister Jim, Pops, and Triple G. However one of the most important names was “Son”, as He was very involved in his church community. Our community and family have suffered a devastating loss and the world will be less bright without him. We will continue to live everyday, striving to make him proud of who we are and who we become.

A memorial service will be held at Twiford Colony Chapel in Manteo on Friday, April 12th at 1 p.m. followed by a graveside committal service at Southern Shores Cemetery at 3 p.m., where he will be laid to eternal rest alongside Jeanette.  To livestream Mr. Goes’ service, visit TwifordFH.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests considering making a donation in Jim’s memory to either the Outer Banks SPCA, PO Box 2477 Manteo, NC, 27954 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation online at dogood.t2t.org, as these were organizations very close to his heart.

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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