James Camel, aged 73, passed away peacefully at home on March 8nd, 2022 after a courageous nine- year battle with cancer. He will be dearly missed by many, but his legacy lives on in the generations he’s touched. James was born on December 13, 1947 to Joseph and Marion Colavito in Baldwin, Long Island, NY. After graduating from Baldwin High School in 1966 he completed his bachelor’s degree at the State University of New York Oneonta in 1970. James then served in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1972. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from the State University of New York Albany, and in 1995 he earned a doctorate degree in education from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro

James’s passion and purpose in life was educating young minds, and in this pursuit he was uniquely gifted and uncompromising. His love and conveyance of critical thinking touched the lives, families, and communities of countless children over a decades- long career. His journey in education began as an elementary school teacher in 1972. He had many fruitful years as an elementary and middle school principal, assistant superintendent of schools, and was the founding director of Duke Middle School for Children in Durham, NC. He then came full circle back to the classroom as a teacher. Many of those fortunate to be in his classes continued to maintain contact with him throughout their lives: A testament to his lasting legacy. His professional focus was on middle school education where he guided both at-risk and gifted students with equal enthusiasm and dedication.

Officially retiring from teaching in 2014 to pursue his other passion: “simply messing about in boats”, he couldn’t be kept from the classroom. James went on to teach gifted students in his local school district and blended his two passions teaching sailing to children in the place dearest to his heart: Oriental, NC. James’s quirky, often sarcastic brand of humor was beloved by all those lucky to share time with him. He was a loving husband, father, and friend whose vivacious love of all things fascinating and outdoors was contagious.

James is survived by his wife Susan and her three children (Todd, Francesca, Katrina), and his two children (Timothy and Daniel) with his former wife Barbara. He is also survived by his brother Thomas (and Carole), his sister Joan and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Jim is predeceased by his parents Joseph J Colavito and Marian (James) Camel.

A celebration of James’s life will be held at The New Village Brewery in Oriental, NC on Sunday, March 13, 2022. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, or the Pamlico County Fishes & Loaves Outreach.

Fair winds and following seas James.

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