James Gulley Cause of Death: Charlotte-Area Community Remembers Former North Carolina Representative

The Charlotte-area community continues to remember James Monroe “Jim” Gulley, a respected public servant, businessman, coach, outdoorsman and longtime Mecklenburg County resident whose career included 14 years representing North Carolina in the state House of Representatives.

Gulley died on May 20, 2014, at the age of 75 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. His death brought an outpouring of appreciation for a man whose professional and community service extended across Matthews, Mint Hill and Mecklenburg County.

Early Life in Mecklenburg County

Born May 10, 1939, Gulley grew up in the Woodlawn community of Mecklenburg County. He attended Woodlawn Elementary, Sharon Junior High and East Mecklenburg High School before graduating and earning an electrical engineering degree from Charlotte College.

His professional career began in computer technology. He spent 19 years with National Cash Register before eventually establishing his own company, Carolina Computer Systems. The business worked on technology involving motion detection that later found applications in hotels and motels.

A Commitment to Community Service

Gulley’s involvement in his community began well before his political career. He and his wife, Suzanne, were among the early organizers of the Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association when their children were young. He helped build sports fields at Arthur Goodman Park and coached an early Pop Warner football team.

His connection to young people and community activities remained an important part of his life. He also taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church of Matthews and served on the board of directors of the Matthews Volunteer Fire Department.

Gulley entered local politics in the late 1980s and was elected to the Matthews Town Council. After three years on the council, he moved into state politics, eventually serving seven terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Legacy as a State Representative

During his time in the General Assembly, Gulley worked on legislation involving crime-scene investigations, copper theft and school-bus safety. He also chaired the House Wildlife Resources Committee and served in leadership roles involving parks, facilities and redistricting.

His dedication to constituent services was particularly important to him. He regularly met with residents who were struggling with government regulations or other problems and worked to help them find solutions.

Gulley retired from the General Assembly in 2010 after 14 years of service. He was later honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest civilian honors.

Family and Remembrance

Away from politics and business, Gulley was an avid hunter and fisherman. His family remembered the time he spent teaching his children and grandchildren about hunting, fishing and firearm safety.

He was survived by his wife of more than 55 years, Suzanne; his son Jim Jr.; daughter Elissa; four grandchildren; his brother Gayle; and other relatives. A celebration of his life was held at First Baptist Church of Matthews following his death.

James Monroe Gulley’s legacy remains connected to public service, community involvement and his dedication to the people of Mecklenburg County and North Carolina. For those who knew him as a husband, father, grandfather, coach, businessman or legislator, he is remembered as a man who devoted much of his life to helping others and strengthening the community he called home.