James B. "J.B." Gosnell

Asheville - James B. J.B. Gosnell, 87, of 380 Olivette Road, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at the John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Lattie and Demia Gosnell and was also preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Helen, who passed away on December 26, 2008; brothers, Wink, Donald and Frank and sisters, Belva Freeman and Clota D. Clark. J. B. was employed with Southern Bell Telephone Co. for 37 years. He started as a lineman and retired as the assistant manager of the PBX department. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, proudly earning numerous medals. J.B. served as a volunteer fireman with the West Buncombe Fire Department for 38 years. J.B. was a lifetime member of Victory Baptist Church where he was a member of the Mens Sunday School class, served as a deacon, an usher and in many other capacities over the years. He also helped with the first sound system in the church. J.B. loved his birds and squirrels and was always busy Cutting wood for the stove, keeping his yard mowed and growing tomatoes. He was a lifetime fan of the Duke Bluedevils. Our Papaw taught us the true meaning of devotion, dedication, love and sacrifice. He will be truly missed. Mr. Gosnell is survived by his daughter, Janice Bass and her husband Kenneth; granddaughter, Andrea Frank and her husband Kevin; grandson, Tony Jones all of Asheville; sister, Hazel Capps and her husband James of Columbus, GA,; brother-in-law, Pat Jones of Asheville; great grandchildren, Rhianna, Aiden, Samara and Ian; several nieces and nephews and his little buddies Mickey, Pete and Cody. He is also survived by his special caregivers Jan, Brenda, Joanne, Missy, Keitha and Bessie to whom the family will be forever grateful for the special love and care they gave our Papaw. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home with the Rev. James Lamb officiating. Interment will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends one hour before services at the funeral home.