Raleigh, NC – James David Worrell died in Raleigh on January 12th, 2026. The son of Ruby Louise Garrison and Jones Danforth Worrell, he was born September 8, 1940, in Stillwater, OK.
Jim grew up in Oklahoma, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, where he graduated from Hahnville High in 1958. A member of Acacia Fraternity, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Louisiana State University in 1963. Besides being a new graduate, Jim Worrell was by then also a husband, a father, and a newly commissioned ROTC army second lieutenant.
Jim and Joanna Nadler Worrell spent 26 years of their marriage in Baton Rouge, where they raised their two children. The couple lived in 18 homes in eight states. Jim was a Professional Engineer, a rigging engineer who specialized in cranes, heavy lifting and hauling. His early and long-term mentor was Richard L. Conkling of Nichols Construction Corporation in Baton Rouge.
Jim and Joanna made North Carolina their home in 2007. Here Jim consulted through Lift-Think, LLC. He was a Life Member of ASCE.
Jim Worrell was a man of integrity and wit, fun to be with, easy to live with and love. He taught himself to appreciate art, music, and history. He enjoyed home projects, birdwatching, travel, and reading from his own library. In exploring his heritage, he found patriots and pioneers, and explored his indigenous roots. As a result, he became an official member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and a contributing member of the Charlotte Museum of History.
Among those who will miss our “Papa Tas” are: widow, Joanna N. Worrell; children, Molly W. and C. Cid Anderson of Raleigh and David N. and Kendyl K.
Worrell of Baton Rouge and grandchildren, Alexa S. and Karl Keane and Madeline Stafford; Henry, Eva and Oscar Worrell; and step-grandson, Christian Anderson. His brother is Dan Worrell, Ph.D., of Fayetteville, AR.
Obituary provided by The Advocate.