James Haywood Polk, 87, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Atrium Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, NC.

James Haywood Polk passed peacefully into eternal rest on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Atrium Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina. Known affectionately to those who loved him as “Bug,” he was a man whose warmth, integrity, and quiet strength left a mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Born on New Year's Day, January 1, 1939, in Chesterfield County, Pageland, South Carolina, Haywood was the son of the late Susie Baker Polk and William Lewis Polk. From the very beginning, he was raised with values of faith, perseverance, hard work, and service to others — principles that would guide every chapter of his remarkable life.

A man who believed that education was the foundation of everything, Haywood pursued it with determination and purpose. He graduated from the historic Second Ward High School, Class of 1957, where he played trumpet in the school band. He began his journey in higher education at Howard University before transferring and earning his undergraduate degree from Johnson C. Smith University. Later he continued his education at North Carolina State University, where he earned his master's degree.

Haywood was a trailblazer and a man of many historic accomplishments. Throughout his distinguished career, he consistently broke barriers and opened doors for others to follow. He began as a junior high school history teacher, shaping young minds for five years, before answering the call to law enforcement as a police officer — earning the distinction of Policeman of the Month in 1969. He would go on to make history as the first Black Motorcycle Officer in Charlotte — a milestone not just for himself, but for every young man who came after him who could now see the door was opened. He continued to break barriers as the first Black State Probation Officer in Charlotte, and later served as Supervisor of House Arrest for the Western District.

His crowning professional achievement was a distinguished 21-year career as a Federal Probation Officer — once again, the first Black person to hold this position — before retiring with honor and the deep respect of all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. His reputation for integrity and compassionate leadership extended far beyond his office, so much so that his distinguished service was immortalized in the published work Integrity by Richard Dortch, President of the PTL (Praise the Lord Club):

"My immediate supervisor, Mr. Haywood Polk, was a distinguished, gentle man who represented everything a federal law enforcement officer in Charlotte should be, using his authority with compassion. He was very serious about his job, which he knew well. Mr. Polk handled himself and his job in a way that left the person under his authority with their self-respect."— Richard Dortch, Integrity

Haywood was also deeply invested in his community and his brotherhood. He was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a devoted member of Shriners International and the Freemasons. He made history as the first Black member of the NC State Employees Credit Union Board of Directors — continuing his lifelong mission of leadership and service. He was also a faithful and beloved member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he found strength, fellowship, and a spiritual home throughout his life.

Most importantly, Haywood was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and family man. He shared 55 years of marriage with the love of his life, Phyllis Nicholas Polk — a partnership built on love, faith, and unwavering commitment. Family was among his greatest joys, and he treasured every moment spent with those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lewis Polk and Susie Baker Polk, and his son, William Jeffrey Polk.

Haywood leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Phyllis Nicholas Polk; his children, Haywood Lewis Polk (Sherry) of Killeen, Texas, Janet Renee Polk of Charlotte, North Carolina, Shawn Monteith Polk of Durham, North Carolina, and Wendell Haywood Polk of the home; 13 grandchildren; his sisters, Carolyn Ginyard of Charlotte, North Carolina and Mildred McBride of Bronx, New York; and a host of great-grandchildren, extended family members, fraternity brothers, colleagues, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness and leadership.

James Haywood Polk's legacy is one of faith, service, courage, and breaking barriers for future generations. His impact reaches far beyond his family and career, and his life serves as a powerful reminder that one person can truly create lasting change.

"Well done, good and faithful servant.“ Matthew 25:23