James (Bo) Deaton

June 25, 2022
James (Bo)  Deaton

Gifts & Memorial Donations

James M. Deaton III, affectionately known to family and friends as Bo, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 24, 2022 from an apparent heart attack.

The son of James M. Deaton, Jr. and Louise Sineath Deaton, Bo grew up in Statesville, North Carolina. It was there at age 16 that he met the love of his life Jenny McGuirt, a high school classmate. They eventually were married and were together for more than 50 years. Also surviving are sisters Pam Love and Martha Owen and husband Steve; nephew Geoffrey Love and wife Lisa and great nephew Aiden all of Brevard, NC.

After high school Bo joined the navy and served four years as a radio operator on a submarine stationed in southern California. While there he became fascinated with sailing so on completion of his military service, he and Jenny moved to Wilmington for Bo to complete his education at UNCW and also to allow him to pursue his love of sailing. This decision lead to a career as an expert in anything related to sailboat installations and repairs. It also enabled he and Jenny to have many years of sailing enjoyment including several victories in the Off Shore Ocean Racing Association.

Bo will be dearly missed by a huge family of Deatons and Sineaths, old friends and coworkers and the numerous clients he served.

Share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099.

Tribute Wall

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  • July 07, 2022
    Murray K. Seidel, m.d. says:
    Bo worked on at least 3 of my sail boats named Sundance. He was a perfectionist and very knowledgeable around sailboats. He was a quiet sort who concentrated 100 % on his projects and rarely made a mistake. I always thought Ginny was his foil . He fixed many things that we managed to breakover a weekend of racing. He seemed always busy and was well respected for his opinions and work. I thought one of his pleasures in life was sailing. God speed you final voyage Bo and may it be an easy off the wind reach. Murray Seidel, md

  • July 06, 2022
    Elaine Haradon says:
    Dear friend and co-worker, Bo. There was no better Rigger in Wilmington. You were always my "go to" for rigging and sails because you were the Best! Such fond memories of a wonderful man. Spread those wings and follow the waves!

  • July 04, 2022
    Roy Campbell says:
    A great guy !

  • July 03, 2022
    Sandra Cathey says:
    Jenny, I am so sorry to hear of Bo’s passing. My thoughts are with you. Stay strong.

  • June 29, 2022
    Janet L Hamlett says:
    Sweetest Jenny, I'm so sorry about Bo. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.