Dr. James Alexander Sappenfield II, OD

Dr. James Alexander Sappenfield, 93, of Forest City, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2022.

Born June 20, 1929, in Kannapolis, NC, he was the son of the late James Alexander and Christine Fowler Sappenfield. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Evelyn, and eldest son, James A. Sappenfield, III.

“Jim” met Evelyn on a blind date, and they were later married at Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church in Kannapolis. They moved to Memphis, TN for Dr. Sappenfield to attend optometry school and, upon completion, moved to Forest City where they chose to live, work, and raise their family. He opened his own optometry practice in Forest City where he served citizens of the community for many years. He was an active member of Advent Lutheran Church in Spindale, particularly enjoying fellowship with members and pastors and serving in various capacities including church council.

Jim was an avid hunter and fisher who cherished trout fishing in the mountains, hunting trips out West, and the companionship of his three boys. He loved his family dearly and provided an ideal home for them to live. He was a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, and son who rarely sat down, always welcomed friends and family, and loved to laugh at a good joke. He greatly appreciated the outdoors and spent much of his life in the elements, loving every minute of it.

Dr. Sappenfield is survived by his beloved sons, Jeffrey Scott Sappenfield and wife, Patti, and Craig Heath Sappenfield and wife, Barbara; daughter-in-law, Susan; grandchildren, Lindsay, Jimmy, Lauren, CJ, Luke, Paige, and Paxton; and nine great-grandchildren, and nieces Kelly and Kyle.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 13, 2022, at Cool Springs Cemetery in Forest City. The Reverend Dave Hinkelman will officiate. 

The family would like to thank caregivers Linda Bright and Angie Plummer who assisted him after Evelyn’s death and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills for all their loving care and attention.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorials to be made to Advent Lutheran Church, 118 Revely St., Spindale, NC 28160 or Hospice of the Carolinas Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is serving the family of Dr. Sappenfield.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.