James Richard Cardwell

James Richard Cardwell, 87, of Mount Ulla, passed away on January 1, 2026, at his home.

James was born on September 10, 1938, to the late John Calvin Cardwell and Ola Geneva Byerly Cardwell. He was a member of New Perth ARP Church. He worked in furniture manufacturing most of his life and retired from Builtright Chair in Statesville, NC.

James was a people person and loved to fish and garden in his spare time.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sara Smith Cardwell; sons, Mike Cardwell, John Cardwell (Chance), Chris Cardwell, Mark Cardwell (Cheree), Brett Cardwell (Amanda), and Brad Cardwell (Dawn); grandchildren, Alec Cardwell (Kim), Mia Cardwell, Gracen Cardwell, Garrett Cardwell, Gavin Cardwell, Reid Cardwell, Grantt Cardwell, Davis Cardwell, Anna Elise Cardwell, Bree-Lynnd Cardwell, and Rogun Cardwell; sisters, Frances Cardwell Chester and Ilene Cardwell Greene; brother-in-law, Melvin Houck; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Rick Cardwell; daughter, Carrie Cardwell; sisters, Reba Cardwell Houck, Launa Cardwell Phillips (Branson), Ola Cardwell Carlton (Harold); and brothers-in-law, Zeb Chester and Bob Greene.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Troutman Funeral Home with Rev. Joel Settle officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. A private family burial will be held at a different time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Special thanks to HPCIC, especially Susan, JoAnn and Lisa, and to family members who helped with James’ care.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the Cardwell family.