Bruce James

Candler – Bruce Way James, age 69, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at Mission Hospitals – Memorial Campus. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, he lived all of his live in Buncombe County and was the son of the late Robert Way James and Sarah Elizabeth Moody James Ivey. He was also preceded in death by his step-father, Waverly Howard Ivey; a brother, Charles Cleveland James; and a son-in-law, Carlos "Peanut" Birmingham. He was a self-employed auto mechanic. Bruce was loved and admired by all who knew him. He was always "on-the-go" never stopping and you could always find him working on restoring a classic car, enjoying the outdoors, tending to his vegetable garden, or spending time with his family. One of Bruce's favorite things was his time being a crew chief for the stock car races at Asheville Speedway. His host of friends were special to him and held a meaningful place in his heart. The family would like to thank them for their support and love through his illness. He will especially be remembered for being a wonderful provider and thoughtful friend to many. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sherry G. James; a daughter, Shannon James Birmingham and her boyfriend, Danny Washburn, of Asheville; a son, Shane C. James and his wife, Julie, of Candler; a sister, Judith Sparks and her husband, James of Candler; one grandson, Justin Way James and Amanda Kay of Charlotte; a great-granddaughter, Ophelia Lois James; three nieces, Jennie Brummitt, Laura Dodd, and Jamie Massie; and a nephew, Jim Sparks. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Louis Gibson officiating. Burial will follow at Bon-A-Venture Cemetery, Old Clyde Road. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. In memory of Bruce's love of classic cars, if you own a classic car, please share your pleasure of owning one by driving it to his service. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Park, Building One, Asheville, NC 28801.

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