James "Jim" Testa

James "Jim" Testa, 86, of Kings Mountain, NC, passed away peacefully on November 09, 2025 at Testa Family Hospice House with his loving family by his side. Born September 26, 1939 in Chicago Heights, IL, he was the son of the late George Peter Testa and Olga Gaetano Testa. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 24 years, Sandra Adams Testa, and his daughters Kimberly Ann Sisk and Paula Lea Nance.

Jim lived an extraordinary life—though he never set out to be extraordinary. He built his legacy through integrity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.

For many years, Jim owned and operated the Kings Mountain Travel Center (formerly the Roadside Truck Plaza), serving both the trucking industry and his community with honesty and dedication. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched by a genuine care for others, qualities that made him a respected figure throughout Cleveland County. In 2004, Jim ran for the North Carolina State Senate, driven by his belief in hard work and civic responsibility. His name also lives on through the Testa Family Hospice House, a reflection of his generosity and compassion toward others. What made Jim truly remarkable was not just what he accomplished—but how he lived. He helped countless people, directly and indirectly, often without realizing the extent of his impact. His strength came from his belief that no problem could be solved without hard work. If hard work didn’t fix it, he believed in working even harder. He never made excuses, never gave in, and never lived by the “do as I say, not as I do” rule. He simply showed up every day and did what was right—because it mattered to him. Jim’s approach to life inspired everyone around him. He understood that while it’s easy to fool others, the one person you can never fool is yourself. He lived by that truth, and it shaped the man he became—a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and leader. Outside of business, one of Jim’s greatest joys was golf. The game gave him peace, friendship, and the same mix of discipline and patience that guided him in life. Jim’s impact cannot be fully captured in words or summed up in a list of achievements. His true legacy lives in the example he set—the belief that challenges can be turned into opportunities through persistence, humility, and heart. He will be remembered always for his strength, kindness, and quiet leadership.

SURVIVORS: Son: Trenton James Testa and wife Natalie "Scoti" of Charlotte, NC

Daughter: Debbie Nance Cox and husband Tom of Belmont, NC

Brother: Ronald George Testa and wife Barbara of Frankfort, IL

Granddaughters: Natalie James "N.J." Testa and Brooke Elaine Cox

Beloved nieces and nephew: Sarah Testa, Eric Testa, Rebecca Testa

The family held a private graveside interment service on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Mountain Rest Cemetery, Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM

ARRANGEMENTS: HARRIS FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA