James Hudson Earp, age 86, of Johnston County, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Born on November 27, 1938, to the late John H. Earp and Robina Creech Earp, James lived a full and devoted life centered on faith, family, and the outdoors. A longtime member of Smithfield Original Free Will Baptist Church, he faithfully served as a deacon for many years. In recent years, he attended Stewarts Chapel in Four Oaks, where he was honored as the oldest attendee of the congregation.

James retired from Norfolk and Southern Railway Company after 24 years of dedicated service. He was a true outdoorsman who found joy in hunting, fishing, and working on his tractors. As a founding member of the EEE Hunting Club in Halifax County, NC, he helped build a community around his passion for the wilderness. He especially cherished visiting the bear reserve at the Pungo River and spending time at his nephew, Billy's cabin.

Above all, James loved his family deeply. He is survived by his children: James Gregory "Greg" Earp of Kenly, Joseph Michael Earp of Four Oaks, Wanda Earp Brown and husband James of Elizabethtown, and Diane Earp Wood of Benson; his grandchildren: Marshall Lynn Creech, Brandi Nicole Barfield, James Daniel Wood, Dwayne Michael Wood, and Allison Michelle Henry; and nine beloved great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his special friend of 18 years, Lisa Kim Prince.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Mrs. Alice Davis Earp as well as all of his siblings.

Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Parrish Funeral Home with the burial to follow in Hills of Neuse Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour before the service from 1:00 -2:00 p.m.

James leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.