WILMINGTON — James Lewis “Jim” Huene, 74, passed away Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, at home. Jim was born July 20, 1945, in Breese, Illinois, son of the late Julius “J.L.” Huene and Edna Wade Huene. An infant son, James Lindsey Huene; and a sister, Pat Delaney, preceded him in death.
Jim moved to Fort Myers, Florida, as a child. His career in the furniture business began in 1966 and led his family from Fort Myers to San Juan, Puerto Rico; Birmingham, Alabama; Hickory; and finally, Wilmington. During his successful work life, he was employed by J.C. Penney, Bassett Upholstery and Trendline Furniture, where he was president until 1989. Jim then worked for Burlington Fabrics and ultimately became a highly acclaimed consultant for Stratford Furniture.
In 1996, Jim and Clara moved to Wilmington, where he owned and operated The Furniture Company and Leather Emporium — extensions of his love of the furniture trade. In “retirement,” Jim became a real estate broker with Living Seaside Realty Group.
Jim was a loving father and devoted husband and so loved his grandchildren, with whom he spent as much time as humanly possible. He cherished his outdoor time, and was skilled at making his property beautiful and creating special landscapes. Jim loved working with his hands and building, designing and fixing; he had a talent in remodeling homes. Jim was a friend to all and was always eager to help anyone he could. He will be missed greatly!
He is survived by his wife, Clara Huene; and three children, including daughter, Ashlee Siegel (Jay), and their children, Riley and Benjamin, daughter, Lisa Sanders (John), and their daughter, Addy, and son, Jamie Huene (Kim), and their children, James and Macey Huene and Maggie and Joseph Jackson.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Andrews Market Street Chapel. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service hour.
The family wishes to extend a special “thank you” to Dr. William McNulty and staff at the Zimmer Cancer Center and at Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made online or by mail to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401; or to the charity of one’s choice.
Share online condolences with the family at Andrews Mortuary & Crematory.
