James Dee Giles

Deaths Elsewhere

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | April 14, 2021

James Dee Giles, 83, of Mint Hill, N.C., died Monday, April 5, 2021, at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.

Jim was born and raised in McKeesport, Pa., on August 29, 1937 and was the son of James Robert and Mary Virginia Giles. Jim was one of three children including his brother Robert and sister Judy. Jim married his wife Patti on September 22, 1978 in Willowick, OH. They later moved to Charlotte, N.C., in 1981.

Jim began his career with Celli-Flynn Architects, and was a key figure in the design of the original swimming pool with its below-ground viewing window at the McKeesport Senior High School, as well as the cafeteria design at Francis McClure School. He went on to work for Bruce Miller and Associates before moving to Ohio and then on to North Carolina.

There he worked on several notable projects for the state government and the University of North Carolina school system. Some of the notable projects included various work on: North Carolina State University, Appalachian State and UNC-Charlotte campuses. Throughout his career Jim was an active member in the A.S.H.R.A.E. chapter of NC. Jim retired from United Engineering Group, Inc./McKim & Creed in 2007. Jim continued to be a consultant in his retirement.

Outside of work, Jim and his family enjoyed traveling and taking numerous photos of all his trips. Some of his memorable trips included many cruises: Alaska, Hawaii, London, and a lot of stops in the Caribbean Islands. He enjoyed family vacations with his children and grandchildren, and was always up for any activity and fun. He enjoyed filling his time with various wood working and home improvement projects, including those at his children’s houses as well. Jim volunteered for Habitat For Humanity for many years.
 
One of Jim’s biggest passions was running. After a heart attack in the 90s Jim took up running after the rehab nurses suggested it. He ran on behalf of numerous charity groups through Run for your Life, Team in Training, Girls On The Run and many others. Through his running career he ran over 12 full marathons, 41+ half-marathons, countless 10k, 5k, etc. races (including a couple of triathlons). He would often schedule his visits to see family in Pa. according to the race schedule here. His favorite 5K race in Pa. was The Race For Grace, which he tried to make as often as possible. Patti accompanied Jim and Tom on several out of town races and marathons – which they were sure they would be taking turns driving back. While Patti was driving home after the races, they were famously quoted as saying: “we are never doing that again” (which of course they did…many more times).

Jim is survived by his wife Patti Giles of Mint Hill, NC; his son Scott (Jaimie) Giles and their son Aiden of Roswell, GA; and his sister Judy (Chuck) Ricciotti of McKeesport, PA. Also surviving are his son Jeff (Becky), daughter Sandi (Brad), daughter Linda (Darwin), and his son-in-law Anthony Spinosi. His loving grandchildren include Melissa, Amy, Kyli and Alayna. Great-grandchildren include Brennen, Alyssa, Caleb and Carter. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, who he also had very close relationships with. Jim is predeceased by his sister Barbara, brother Robert, his daughter Sue and his grandson Christopher.

The family will not be hosting a formal service but will be celebrating his memory privately. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate in Jim’s honor to any of the below charities (or a charity of your choice):
American Heart Association – https://www.heart.org
American Diabetes Association – https://donations.diabetes.org
Hilarity for Charity – https://wearehfc.org

Arrangements were in charge of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home, Matthews, N.C.

Originally published April 14, 2021.

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