James Wiley “J.W.” Fesperman Jr., 89, of Kannapolis passed away on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at his residence. J.W. was born on April 6, 1927 in Rowan County to the late Maggie Rebecca Foutz Fesperman and the late James Wiley Fesperman Sr. J.W. grew up in Organ Lutheran Church. Then he attended Bethpage United Methodist Church for 65 years. He truly enjoyed church activities and spending time with his family. He honorably served his country in the United States Army and the United States Navy. Afterwards, he worked at Cannon Mills. His hobbies were gardening, beekeeping and going camping. He enjoyed watching the Braves baseball games and NASCAR racing. J.W. married Ruth Brown on Oct. 6, 1951 in York, S.C. They have been happily married for 65 years. In addition to his parents, Maggie and Jim, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond Fesperman and John Fesperman; sisters, Sadie Honeycutt, Velma Teddar, Bonnie Sutton; and grandsons, Jonathan Hall and Jacob Hall. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Ruth Brown Fesperman; son, Lynn Wiley Fesperman (Shayne); daughter, LuAnne Mullis (Vic); brother, Howard Ray Fesperman (Fran); and grandchildren, Zachary Fesperman (Brandi) and Alexander Fesperman. Visitation: 1:30-3p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at Bethpage United Methodist Church, 109 Fellowship Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Service: 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 at Bethpage United Methodist Church, Kannapolis with Pastor Marc Portis and Pastor Duane Melton officiating. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Bethpage UMC Columbarium Fund, 109 Fellowship Avenue, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Fesperman family.  Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.