James Dockery

Waynesville, James R. "Jim" Dockery, age 70, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012 at Medwest Haywood. A native of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Grover William and Edith Ray Dockery. He was also preceded in death by one son, Jimmy Dee Dockery. Jim joined the Navy serving six years; the last year in the Vietnam War. After the service, he trained as a radio announcer and worked for several radio stations. Later in life, Jim became the announcer for the gunfights at Ghost Town in the Sky. He was also an accomplished musician playing drums in Bill Norwood's band and later in the Cullasaja Band in Maggie Valley. He played with Eddie Nash and Tommy Ford and was part of Reba McIntire and Mell Tillis's backup bands. In his late 50's, he drove for Schneider's Truck Line. He later drove for a petting zoo. After moving back to Waynesville, he drove for Harrah's Casino. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Brenda Dockery; one grandson, Benjamin Ray Dockery; an aunt, Ethel Austin and several cousins. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2011 at the Western Carolina Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain with military rites conducted by the Buncombe County Veterans Council and the National Guard. Memorials may be made to Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation, P.O. Box 854, Waynesville, NC 28786 or to the American Cancer Society, 90 Stiles Road, Waynesville, NC 28786

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