James Hipps

James Doyace Hipps, of 513 Brush Creek Rd, died Thursday, May 20, 2010 at the age of 81. James was a decorated veteran of both WWII and the Korean War where he served with distinction. As a US Army Medic, he saved many lives through his service at several MASH units and later at Walter Reed Army Hospital. After 22 years in the military, James came home to WNC and was employed by General Electric in Hendersonville from which he later retired. James was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He was an accomplished woodworker who also wrote beautiful poetry and played the harmonica to grateful audiences. He loved animals and wildlife and served as the benefactor to a devoted flock of wild turkeys who called his backyard home. James was born in Whittier, NC and was a son of the late Lovell Hilliard and Nannie Mae Hipps. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Bowen, his brother Lenoir Hipps, and his sister Lena Fitzgerald. He is survived by his loving wife of 13 years Marie Jones; his son DeForrest Hipps; his brothers Paul, John, and Lonnie Hipps; his sisters Lois Elliott and Ardith Brown; and four grandchildren, Ashley, Catherine, Collin, and Brenden Hipps. James travelled the world widely, lived well, and had a full and rewarding life. We are all richer for having had him in our lives. The funeral service will be at 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Wells Funeral Home in Canton, with the Rev. Steve Harris officiating. The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Wells Funeral Home at Asheville Highway in Canton. Burial will follow at the Bon-A-Venture Cemetery on Newfound Rd.

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