James Burt MacLeod, of Lumberton, died April 6, 2013.

He was born in Lumberton on Dec. 21, 1919. He was a graduate of Lumberton High School, Presbyterian Junior College, Presbyterian College and Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Va.

As a summer intern he started the Sylva North Carolina Presbyterian Church. Ordained to the Presbyterian ministry in August, 1944, he served churches in North and South Carolina and Virginia, with a special love for small churches. During World War II while in his first pastorate in Gloucester, Va., he served in the Virginia Reserve Militia. He also served as Chaplain of the Clan MacLeod Society.

Licensed as amateur radio operator W4NHV in the late 1940s, he served in amateur radio emergency communications in order to help others- -starting with Hurricane Hazel in 1954. He started American Radio Relay League's Amateur Radio Emergency Service in Robeson County and also served as ARES District Emergency Coordinator for 18 counties in Southeastern North Carolina.

He organized, and until his death, supported and mentored the Robeson County Amateur Radio Society whose members are dedicated to the enhancement of amateur radio in general and the support of Amateur Radio Emergency Services in particular.

In his passion that others should have enough to eat he supported the food pantry of the Robeson County Church and Community Center with numerous donations. An excellent cook, he delighted in preparing meals for groups large and small.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Suzanne Hudson MacLeod of Raleigh; his parents, Alexander Hamilton McLeod, Sr. and Helen Stainback-McLeod; and his brother, Alexander Hamilton "Sandy" McLeod, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Annette King-MacLeod; his children, Suzanne M. Dedrick, James Blount MacLeod and wife Kathryn and Emily H. Davis and husband Charles; his stepchildren, David D. King and wife Sue and Carol K. Elmore and husband Frank; his grandchildren, Britta J. Dedrick, C. Isaak Dedrick and wife Katherine, Alexander H. MacLeod and wife Meredith, John G. MacLeod and Susanna C. Hendy; his stepgrandchildren, Catherine King, Jonathon D. King, Bessie E. Hualk and husband Ryan and Chris Elmore and wife Lauren; and two step great-granddaughters.

After a private family burial a memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, Chestnut Street in Lumberton.