James “Smilin’ Jim” Edward Myers, 69, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House in Mooresville. Jim fought hard against his cancer diagnosis for over two years.
He was born on April 11, 1956, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Donald “Papa Don” Myers and Letitia “Tish” Myers Williams. Jim graduated from Ernest W. Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Mich., in 1974. He then attended Schoolcraft College, where he became a passionate chef, inspired by his mother. He proudly owned and operated Smilin’ Jim’s Cafe in the heart of Huntersville. He was known in the community for his famous clam chowder and banana pudding and for sharing recipes in the Huntersville Herald. His most beloved role as a chef was at the Mooresville Soup Kitchen, where he lived his purpose of cooking delicious meals, teaching others and creating fellowship. After retiring, he took his dream trip out west with his camper and motorcycle “Goldie” and settled in Montana for his last years before his diagnosis.
An avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, he was also a lover of sweets, dogs, cranking up oldies music, camping and hogging the remote. A dedicated friend of Bill W., Jim cherished his time spent in Old Fort, N.C., offering compassion and understanding to many. He was a member of Sugar Creek and Huntersville Presbyterian Churches. His gift for cooking was matched only by his easy-loving spirit, he never met a stranger and taught us how to laugh. His legacy will live on through his children, recipes and the many friends he made. Treasure the moments.
Jim is survived by his devoted son, Brett Myers; his loving daughter, Lauren Myers; and mother of his children, Melinda; as well as sisters, Susie Tompkins (Harry) and Sally Brown (Joe); and extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Chris Myers.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.
The family would like to give special thanks to the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House, the CCU nursing staff at Duke Lake Norman Hospital, as well as Jim G., Jimmy B, Dennis T., Robin E. and many other brothers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to FeedNC, 2456 Charlotte Hwy., Mooresville, NC 28117.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Myers family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.