James Knox Polk, Jr., 70, peacefully slept away on Thursday, March 30, 2023, in his Gastonia, North Carolina home.  He was born January 3, 1953, in Charlotte, NC, and was the son of the late James Knox Polk, Sr. and Dorothy Price Polk.  He was also the great-great-nephew of the late Arthur S. Grier, Sr., founder of the Grier Heights Community and Grier Funeral Service.

Better known to family and childhood friends as "JK" and "Jim" to others, JK grew up in the Grier Heights Community and was a product of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System.  He graduated from East Mecklenburg High School, where he was very popular and was a member of the football team.

After graduating from high school, JK enlisted in the United States Air Force, allowing him the opportunity to travel and see the world.  Serving for eight years, he returned home but still enjoyed travelling and visited many countries.  After his stint in the Air Force, his employment career was spent with Iron Mountain and after 27 years of service, he retired in 2018.

Those who knew him well know that in addition to travelling, JK's other most enjoyable hobbies included fishing and riding his motorcycles and he often combined the two!  He was a motorcycle enthusiast and had several types of bikes – the most recent being his beloved "Spyder"!  He truly enjoyed riding his bikes and spending time with his motorcycle buddies.

JK had a sense of humor and will always be remembered for his beautiful smile, encouraging and "special" words.  He served as the Western District Representative of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas in 1998 and remained an active member sharing his time, talents and beautiful smile.

Above all, JK loved his family and friends and leaves to cherish his legacy and memories are his wife of thirty years, Lynn Lorenzo Polk; his children, Jonathan V. Polk (Stephanie), Anna M. Polk, David B. Polk and Kim Seets (Andy); his siblings, Regina C. Gill, Camilla P. Clark, J. Vincent Polk (Renita), Tammy Polk-Hinton (Robert) and Altavia Polk.  He also leaves four granddaughters and three grandsons; in addition to a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.