Dateline: Waxhaw, NC James “Nelson” Starnes, 68, passed away July 5, 2011. He was born in Union County on July 11, 1942, son of the late James Odell and Mildred McWhorter Starnes. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shelby Jean Starnes. Funeral services will be Friday, July 8, 2011 at 3:00 PM in Bethlehem United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Lakeland Memorial Park. The family will visit with friends and relatives Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Avenue, Monroe, NC 28112. Mr. Starnes is survived by his sons, Jody Starnes and Jamie Starnes, both of Waxhaw; daughter, Sonya Jackson of Rock Hill, SC; brothers Rick Starnes and Melvin Starnes, both of Waxhaw; sister Daphne McManus of Waxhaw; and a grandchild, Whitley McCray. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110. Gordon Funeral Service is caring for the Starnes family. Published online on July 7, 2011 courtesy of Gordon Funeral Service, Inc. .