James "Jim" Emmer Dudley, 80, of Lenoir, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on September 27, 2025, at Hospice Amorem Valdese, while surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 12, 1945, in Lenoir to the late E.M. Dudley and Dorothy Pearson Dudley. Jim graduated from Lenoir High School in 1963 and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1969. He began his career with Traveler's Insurance as an adjuster and later became an insurance agent for Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. After becoming a certified financial planner, he opened his own business, Insurance Planning Services, as a CFP and an insurance broker. He proudly met the insurance needs of many residents and businesses in Caldwell County.

Jim grew up attending First United Methodist Church in Lenoir. As an adult he served the church as a youth leader and as a member and president of FUMC Men's Breakfast. Led by a desire to help his community, Jim joined the Lenoir Kiwanis Club. He was a faithful member for many years and served terms as both vice president and president of the club. At the onset of Communities in Schools, Jim became a CIS tutor at William Lenoir Middle School. He was a faithful supporter, encourager and tutor for CIS students for many years.

From hiking in the mountains to body surfing the waves at the beach or just sitting around a fire pit with family and friends, Jim was his happiest outside. He enjoyed canoeing, hiking, camping, and until becoming sick, walking five miles a day on his land in Patterson. He loved sharing his knowledge about and fondness of nature with his children and grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Dottie Dudley Roberts (Carl) and Carolyn Dudley Bayzik (Steve), and nephew Mark Bayzik.

Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gail Suddreth Dudley (LHS Class of '65), daughter Jamie Dudley Lewis (Clay), son Matt Dudley (Riley), grandchildren James "Todd" Lewis (Jerrica), Jon Barrett Lewis, Jackson Lewis (Adriana), Will Dudley, Harper Dudley, Georgia Dudley, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thank you to High Country Amorem Hospice for their excellent care of Jim and support for the family. A special thank you to CNA Leslie Osborne, Nurse Jen Cahan, social worker Katie Jolie, and PA Chuck Crisp.

A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025.  A visitation of friends and family will begin at 2:00 PM with a service following at 3:00 PM at Greer McElveen Funeral Home in Lenoir. Refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall at College Avenue Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's name may be made to High Country Hospice, College Avenue Baptist Church, or Saint Jude's Children's Hospital.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Dudley family.