James (Bo) Deaton

June 25, 2022
James (Bo)  Deaton


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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  • June 29, 2022
    Howard Price says:
    Bo, pop your chute and sail downwind forever. Will miss you so much. All my love to Jenny, Pam, Martha Mae, Geoff, and Aden. Your cousin Howard

  • June 29, 2022
    Geoffrey Deaton Love says:
    Always equal parts quiet and kind. Thank you Bo for your silent support and for your wonderful dry wit! We love you.

  • June 29, 2022
    Frank Deaton says:
    So sorry to hear of his passing, my heart pangs for you all. With love, FD

  • June 29, 2022
    Paul Deaton says:
    We miss you, Bo, and regret not being able to be with you more. Thinking of you Jenny,Pam, and Martha.

  • June 29, 2022
    Jan Roseman says:
    Dear Jenny, I'm so sorry to hear about Bo. Praying for you, my friend. Love, Jan Nash Roseman