BY NICOLE AND MILES LAYTON

COLUMBIA — A round-up of all things Tyrrell County — coverage of James Cahoon’s funeral and items of interest to Tyrrell County.

Cahoon, 72, was laid to rest Sunday, Feb. 2, at Sound Side Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Royce Reynolds officiating. To see Cahoon’s funeral service, click this link.

Cahoon joined God’s Town Hall on Jan. 28 — he was a former principal and assistant superintendent of Tyrrell County Schools, a Sunday School teacher and the beloved mayor of Columbia.

Standing behind her Dad’s flag-draped coffin, Kat Cahoon Alphin gave a powerful eulogy that talked about how his embrace of faith shaped his life and the lives of others.

“A father’s love — to know Dad is to love Dad,” she said. “What a treasure he was to us all. I have learned in life that there are facts and there are opinions. And one fact to be true is that my father loved God. Standing here, he would watch each and everyone to know that he loved you. Because he loves you, he wants you to know that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life — if you ask, you will receive. If you knock, the door will be open.”

Kat continued, “A relationship with God changes the life — it changed my Dad’s many years ago. You see if it weren’t for God, he couldn’t have done all the things that he did for my mother, Blake and I and our community, the churches, our families and so many others. His heart, it yearned to serve and to love. He would say to me often, “I just want people to see Jesus in me, that’s all Katherine.’”

God’s Impact

Kat talked about her parents’ values and God’s impact through her Dad.

“My whole life, I have been encouraged by my parents — their presence, their actions and their love shown in every aspect of their lives. There was never a moment that I didn’t feel their love. And the stories that many of you have shared with me this week, I just want you to know they have given me and my family so much strength. And there’s so many messages that I’ve got to, but I know on those hard days, they’re going to help me when I can read them. I think to myself — ‘God, look at what you did through Dad.’ I then think, ‘Dad, they see Jesus in you.’”

Kat continued, “We are better people because we knew Dad. The ripples that touched our lives can now touch others’ lives through our actions in the way that we treat people. I thank God for these blessings.”

A Wise Man’s Words

Cahoon inspired loved to send Kat quotes “especially if I was needing a pick-me-up. I want to share a few quotes with you because they inspired my life and I hope that they will inspire yours.”

‘I know for sure that what we dwell on is what we become.’

‘You are stronger than you know, more capable than you’ve ever dreamed, and loved more than you can ever imagine.’

‘Look for something positive every day even if some days, you have to look a little harder.’

‘People will forget what you said, but people will never forget what you did. People will never forget how you made them feel.

‘If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. Whatever you do, you’ve got to keep pushing forward.’

‘And don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened.’

To be loved by James

Kat said what was on everyone’s mind — “He would be smiling — he is smiling down on every single person right now. We will all miss James Willard Cahoon’s presence, and I’ve learned that it’s OK to be sad with that same breath; we are all blessed to have been loved by James.”

Kat said her Dad was a man who would do anything for anyone at the drop of a hat — “no questions asked, he was going to do the right thing and make the situation right.”

“I remember when I was a kid, if I broke something, he taught me to fix it, make it right and keep on trucking,” she said.

Her Dad’s advice, “The more you look back, the more you’re going to miss what is right in front of you, so be present with those you are with and love a little more, forgive others, show up for others, show kindness, extend grace instead of judgment and most importantly, live, laugh and love.”

Kat said that each person has their own testimony where if stories are shared, it allows God’s grace and love to comfort all of us.

“What you do with your life matters. What we focus on matters. This passage from Scripture — Philippians 4:8 — that my parents quoted to me my whole life. ‘Finally, brothers, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, whatever is admirable, praiseworthy and excellent, think about these things.’”

Kat continued, “When our souls are restless, we find our peace in Christ. 1st Corinthians 10:13 teaches us that God is faithful. And He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. So in Christ, we find our strength.’”

Last story about Cahoon — Kat said when he would teach Sunday School, he would ask for prayer requests.

“After every one of them, he would say, ‘Alright folks, we got so much to be thankful for, so let’s count our blessings first. Let’s first and foremost give God the praise for all the things that he has given us. When we focus on that, we will live a full life of love. On my behalf of my whole family, we love you.”

BIG Story

When the Albemarle Observer published the news of Cahoon’s passing last week, several people reached out to thank us for the story — to that, we appreciate your kind words. That story reached thousands of people — 2nd biggest story on our website, with only one being bigger being about Timbermill’s wind turbines’ annoying blinking lights in Bertie County.

We thank Barbara Fleming and many other folks for sharing our story.

“You are so kind — Barbara (Fleming) came to my parents’ house and I read what you wrote,” Kat said. “What a beautiful tribute. One may never know the impact we make on another life so every opportunity we get, we show love and show kindness and he sure did that. He radiates love. And his light will continue to shine on others. Thank you again for your kindness and support. My family appreciates you more than you know.”

Tyrrell County News

Tyrrell and Hyde counties are considered “news deserts” since corporate America and the mainstream media consider us as flyover country because of our values, the Albemarle Observer will be covering events and happenings in this neck of the woods. On that note, if you have news items or tips, please send an email to albemarle.observer@gmail.com OR mileslayton1969@gmail.com

The Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution regarding the Fisheries Management Plan for spotted Seatrout during Tuesday’s meeting.

The meeting will be held at 1 p.m. in the county office.

A recent draft of an amendment to the management plan notes that a 19.9% reduction of harvest is required to end overfishing of the spotted seatrout stock. The plan, created by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries, was updated in August 2024 and is currently up for review.

The Marine Fisheries Commission is expected to vote on the plan at its Feb. 19-21 meeting in Kitty Hawk.

The amendment draft includes:

• Extending the fishery closure by 15 days, to June 30, following a cold stun.
• Eliminating the captain and crew allowance for the fish on for-hire trips with no broader vessel limit.
• Implement a recreational 14- to20-inch slot limit with an allowance for one fish over 26 inches.
• Implement a recreational 3-fish bag limit.
• Implement a commercial 14- to 22-inche slot limit.

Also related to the spotted sea trout, on Jan. 24, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries closed coastal and joint waters in the state to commercial and recreational spotted sea trout harvest due to cold stun events.

Studies suggest spotted sea trout are sensitive to the cold, causing the fish to become sluggish.

The goal of such a closure is to allow the surviving fish a chance to spawn before harvest reopens. The season will remain closed until June 15 or June 30, the date adopted under the Amendment, which was approved.

A copy of the resolution was not included with the agenda.

In other business, there will be a presentation by the Tyrrell County Sheriff’s Office and County Manager David Clegg.

Other Tyrrell County news

A pop-up pantry, hosted by the Tyrrell County Food Pantry will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 3 at the food pantry, 832 US 64 East.

Tyrrell County Library

The Tyrrell County Library is taking reservations for its Using Healthcare Online workshop scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

The third annual Soup Day and Silent Auction Fundraiser for the library will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 24. The Friends of the Library is hosting the program.

EcoExplore will work on its Ornithology Badge at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 11, while the Yarn Rebels Crochet Club will meet from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 18.

Storytime with Ms. Helen, for ages 3-5 will be held at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 4 and 18.

For those who like to get crafty, an adult 3D card making class will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 10, while a story and craft session with Nicole will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Symphony of Colors, sponsored by Pocosin Arts, will be from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Feb. 17.

The Trillium Health Mobile Clinic will visit the library from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. every other Tuesday starting Feb. 11.

For information, call 252-796-3771.