James Mann

Asheville, James William "Jimmy" Mann, age 40, died Saturday, January 19, 2008. He was born on June 2, 1967 in Berea, OH, the son of Jimmie W. "Jim" and Carolyn Ratcliffe Mann of Asheville and was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hugh and Frances Ratcliffe and Frank Mann. He was a 1985 graduate of Tuscola High School and received his music, mechanical engineering, and biomedical engineering degrees from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and worked as an engineer for Arvin Meritor in Fletcher. He was a former member and toured Europe with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra and also played with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Oak Ridge Community Orchestra. After moving to Asheville, he performed with the Blue Ridge Community Orchestra. Jimmy was nothing short of an amazing musician. His musical ability took him all over the world. He played saxophone, clarinet, and flute and was a gifted music teacher as well. Jimmy performed with such musical greats as Ray Charles and Joe Williams, just to name a few. He and his brother, Jonathan, performed together extensively during the years of 1995 to 2003. He loved horses and bird dogs and competed and judged in National Field Trial events and owned one champion bird dog named, Jake. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Waynesville and attended Central United Methodist Church of Asheville. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandmother, Cora Cates Mann, of Waynesville; two brothers, Gary Mann of Alexander and Jonathan Mann and his wife, Dr. Haley Gottfried Mann, of Carmel, CA; and several uncles, aunts, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 in the Waynesville chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Dr. Robert M. Blackburn, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. A private family interment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801; Elizabeth Chapel United Methodist Church, 98 Elizabeth Chapel Road, Waynesville, NC 28786; or Blue Ridge Community Orchestra, 104 Trotter Place, Asheville, NC 28806.

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