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
    Karrie (Eads) Morgan says:
    Keep sailing in the bright clear waters of heaven.

  • June 28, 2022
    Anne Coffey says:
    Thinking of Ginny, Pam , Martha and families. Many fond memories of growing up o Pinewood Circle. Anne Coffey

  • June 28, 2022
    Palmer Sineath says:
    Bo you will be missed. Jenny, you are in our hearts and prayers. Alison and Palmer Sineath

  • June 28, 2022
    Randy Voyles says:
    Oh Bo, So many memories. High school was the best. Deaton, Dixon, Massey, Voyles and yes Jenny. We had so much fun and good times. We were best friends. Be at peace my friend. Randy

  • June 28, 2022
    Beverly Fader says:
    We had many happy days at Wrightsville Beach! I am so so sorry!