James “Mike” Michael Deese, 75, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026. He was born in Union County, NC, son of the late Ralph Deese and Gladys Stephens Deese Culley.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 6, 2026 in the chapel of Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe, NC 28112. The family will receive friends and family prior to the service from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM. The pallbearers for his service will be: Rick Rogers, Richard Ponds, Shane Gilliland, and Wayne Woolford. 

James is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Loretta Deese, daughter, Michelle Starnes (Ed), as well as two grandchildren, Christina Kramer (Jake), and Amanda Starnes, and many cousins all across the nation.

Mike worked in textiles most of his career. He was an avid gardener and kept his own greenhouse. He always looked forward to each growing season. He loved his family, family reunions, and holidays and he loved spending time in the Mountains and listening to Rock and Roll music.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd. Monroe, NC 28110.

Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com

Gordon Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to be entrusted to care for the Deese Family.