James L. Cilley II

James L. Cilley, 79, passed away on January 15 after a brief illness.

Born in Hickory, North Carolina, James was a devoted husband and father, known for his kindness, generous spirit and deep love for his family and friends. He was a lifelong engineer who loved solving problems and spending time outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, Vicki Cilley; daughter, Nicole Cilley and her husband, Herb Acken; grandson, James Acken; sister, Mary Lenoir Cilley; and niece, Martha Carbone. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Lenoir Cilley, Jr.; his parents, Thomas Lenoir Cilley and Cecile Hefner Cilley; and his beloved aunts, Mary Cilley and Harriet Venable.

A service will be held at North Raleigh United Methodist Church on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Food Bank of Eastern North Carolina or to North Raleigh United Methodist Church.