James Emmett Herndon, II

James Emmett Herndon II, age 70, died November 3, 2026. James Emmett Herndon II was born in Daytona Beach, Florida June 29, 1956. After graduation from Briarcliff High School in Atlanta, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for a B.S. in Mathematics and an M.S. in Mathematics. He proceeded to attend Purdue University for an M.S. in Statistics. 

Following his degree in Statistics, he was employed by Abbott Laboratory in North Chicago, IL. He spent several years conducting statistical studies on pharmaceutical products. At this point, he returned to the South to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to obtain a Ph.D. in Biostatistics. This degree led to his employment at Duke University. At Duke, he was employed by the Department of Biostatistics and collaborated with surgical and medical oncologists in the conduct of clinical studies focusing on brain cancer. He retired in 2026. 

Dr. Herndon enjoyed working in his yard and playing the piano. He was a member of University Presbyterian Church and served as an elder and deacon. Dr. Herndon is survived by many friends and his sister, Joy Lynn Herndon. He was preceded in death by parents, Rosalind S. Herndon and James Emmett Herndon, and sister Jill Suzanne Herndon. 

A memorial service is currently pending at this time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina, 607 Hamlin Road Building F, Durham, NC 27704, Foodbankcenc.org

The Herndon family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Inc.