James “Jim” Ray Shuford, age 86, of Rock Creek, passed away on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 at McDowell Hospital. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Stanley and Zora Lane Shuford. He was preceded in death as well by two brothers: Wilford Lee Shuford and Richard Daniel Shuford, along with infant brother, Afton Dale Shuford; and three sisters-in-law: Sandra Kay Jarvis Shuford, Irene Blevins Shuford and Kathleen Fender Shuford.
Jim was the owner of his own sawmill and loved being outdoors. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed loafering around, going to Celo Community where he sat and talked to all his friends. He was a people person who had never met a stranger and was a member of South Estatoe Baptist Church. Jim was a kind, gentle soul and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Surviving is his wife, Leta Robinson Shuford; twin sons: Barry Shuford of Rock Creek and Larry Shuford of Burnsville; three grandchildren: Zachary Shuford of Burnsville, Tiffany Shuford of Micaville and Victoria Shuford of Micaville; one great-granddaughter, Piper Ollis; two sisters: Lillian Shuford Huskins of South Toe and Linda Hendricks (John) of Spruce Pine; three brothers: Martin Shuford of Micaville, Troy Shuford of Marion, and Junior Shuford (Viola) of South Toe; special nephew, Robert Owensby; and special friends: Bobby, Ferando and Juanita. He is survived as well by several nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 5th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Gene King will officiate. Burial will follow in the Autrey Cemetery at South Estatoe Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Flowers are welcome, or memorial donations may be made to the Yancey County Humane Society, 211 Kind Hearts Way, Burnsville, NC 28714. For those who wish to visit or bring food, the family requests that everyone come to the home of his sister, Lillian Huskins, at 9831 State Highway 80 South, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
