James West, Jr.

Waynesville, James Walter West, Jr., age 79, passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at his residence.

A native of Haywood County he was a son of the late James W. West, Sr. and Thelma Wilkes West Buchanan.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Ann McGaha and infant sister; stepfather, Lester Buchanan.  Jimmy proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Western Carolina University in Business Administration.  Jimmy retired with 33 years of faithful service in 1995 from Haywood Medical Center as Director of Materials.  He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, golfing and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.  Jimmy was a member of Balsam Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wanda Bryson West; daughter, Jamie West Culbreth; son, Gregory Wallace West (Stefanie), all of Waynesville; granddaughter, Hannah Culbreth, Emily and Abigail West.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 28, 2020 at Balsam Missionary Baptist church with Reverend Greg Cullins officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Balsam Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box 280, Balsam, NC 28707.

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