James Oscar Gant, III

James Oscar Gant III passed away peacefully at Frye Memorial in Hickory North Carolina on February 20, 2024. He was the first born son of late James Oscar Gant, Jr. and Sara Day Pender Gant originally of Davidson, North Carolina. Born, January 31, 1952, in Charlotte , NC, he was always referred to by friends and family growing up as Jimmy, and after his college years, Jim.

Growing up, Jim was athletic and played football and was proud alumnus of North Mecklenburg High School. He later attended UNC Charlotte where he acquired his 2 year degree in business. While at UNCC, he was a member Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity. He also met his future wife, the late Beth Anthony Gant McDaniel while attending there. They married on the first day of spring in 1977. Together, they raised three children, Laura Gant Eslick (Donald) of Shelby, NC, Hope Gant Craig(Chris) of Landis, NC, James Oscar Gant IV (Laura) of Hickory, NC.

Jim's passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for fishing and hunting. On a regular basis, he introduced his children to an array of cuisine from his hunting endeavors, there in teaching bravery and trust. He taught his kids the importance of knowing where you are, and where you are going (figuratively and literally), and that hard-work is never a question, but an expectation.

One of the highlights of his life was owning the Hickory Antiques Mall for 30 years. He enjoyed meeting the thousands of people that would come through the mall every year from near and far. He was extremely proud of the mall and all he created there.

He is survived by his three children and their spouses +5 grandchildren, Isaiah, Lilliah, Jonah, Elijah, Eliza Kate, and Elisabeth; his sister, Linda Gant Gibson and her husband, Russell of Wilkesboro and his brother Dale Gant and wife, Helen of Wilson and ex-spouse of 16 years relationship, Linda Gibson Gant of Boone.

A small Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fraternal Order of Police and/or the Hart Square Foundation.

Robert Morgan Funeral and Cremation Services, LLC is honored to serve the Gant Family. Memorial tributes may be made at www.rsmorganfsl.com.

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