Thomas David James, passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 72, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. His battle with a serious medical condition showed his courage in facing life crises calmly. He was surrounded by his wife and daughters 24 hours a day.

Tom was born in Unadilla, New York, on February 22 of 1952, to Hope Williams James and George D. James. He was raised in a rural area and had a great love and respect for the land. He graduated from Lakemont Academy in 1970. He traveled across the country before joining the Air Force in 1972 and served until 1976. After the service he took his Airstream and his dog to Colorado where he met his wife, Betsy, high in the Rockies in a hot spring. They travelled for 2 years across the western states and Canada as far as Alaska. They ended up in Franklin, N.C where Tom worked at the Top Shop, and Betsy was a nurse. They purchased Macon Rental and owned it for 37 years before retiring. He perfected his golf swing on the Links of James and they continued their life of adventure. They raised two fantastic daughters, Amanda and Rose (Eli) and have their grandchildren, Flynn, Micah, and Kai. He was VERY much loved.

Services will be on January 11th, 2025, at 11 am on the Veterans Memorial grounds at the Community Building followed by a reception at the Cowee Heritage School.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.