Elm City –

James Elvin "Polecat" Poland, age 78, passed away Friday, February 23, 2024 at Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-three years, Paula Wooten Poland; children, Lisa Poland (Connie Page) of Nashville, Paul Poland (Donna) of Elm City and Valerie Poland Lawrence (Terrence) of Rocky Mount; nephew whom he raised as his son, Curtis Grady and his beloved chihuahua, Stinkbug.

James was especially proud of and adored his grandchildren, Cody Poland (Ashley Barrow), Courtney Poland, Carmen Poland, Kayla Winstead, Cortney Thorne and Marley Grady and his great-grandchildren, Kyleigh and Ethan Poland and Weston Perry.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Forest Hill Cemetery, Nashville, NC. The family will receive friends from 2-4pm on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at the home of Lisa Poland, 1490 Sandy Cross Road, Nashville, NC 27856 and also from 6-8pm on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at Davis-Little Funerals, 2129 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.