James Shope

Candler - James Everette “Red” Shope, 88, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at CarePartners Hospice and Solace Center.

Red was a native of Haywood County but had resided in Buncombe for most of his life.  He was a son of the late Hobert and Bertha Miller Shope.  In addition to his he was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Shope Woodby and several brothers and sisters, Hazel Elizabeth Shope Young, Reverend Garrett Hobert Shope, Jr., Mabel Louise Shope Hooker, William Calvin Shope, Mary Sue Belcher, Robert Matthew Shope, Ruth E. Shope, Jesse Clarence Shope, and David Carroll Shope.  Red retired from Champion International and was a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church where he served as deacon, Sunday school director, and choir member.  He was also known as the candy man and friend to everyone.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia Gail Hipps Shope; a daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Jackson (Jeff) of Canton; four grandchildren, Jason Woodby (Allie), Brian Woodby (Christina), Heather Rountree (Kris), and Andrew Jackson; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Ridgeway Baptist Church with the Reverend Jack W. Collins officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ridgeway Baptist Church Parsonnage Renovation Fund, 525 Old 19/23 US Hwy., Candler, NC  28715.

The care of Mr. Shope has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton.