James Easton Walther Sr.

Weaverville - James Easton Walther, Sr., age 86, of Dogwood Drive, Weaverville, North Carolina, was received into the arms of Jesus on December 14, 2009. Born on October 17, 1923 in New York City, he was the son of the late Bernard and Elsie Walther. In addition to his parents, James (Jim) was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn Miller Walther, his brother Albert and sister Mary Bowden. Jim served his country during World War II as a signalman in the United States Navy, sailing on convoy ships across the Atlantic and through the Mediterranean Sea to Russia. After the war, Jim spent a year at the Concordia Lutheran Seminary. Realizing the ministry was not his calling; he left the seminary and was employed as a sales representative for General Motors Corporation and later with Formica Company. He traveled throughout the Southeastern coast and especially enjoyed the Asheville area. Upon retirement, he and his wife Alice moved to Weaverville and resided there for 22 years. Jim was an active member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Asheville, North Carolina. Among Jims favorite activities were old bottle collecting, the genealogical investigation of the Townsend family (his mothers maiden name), photography, writing politically-oriented Letters to the Editor, visiting the seashore of North and South Carolina and decorating large pine cones as Christmas trees. Family survivors include his present wife of 35 years, Alice Gauthier; daughters--Karen Dove of Truxton, NY, and Pamela Arata of Valley Stream, NY; sonJames Walther, Jr. of Valley Stream, NY; four grandchildrenAlexander and Andrew Arata and Mark and Carly Dove; sisterGladys Weeden; brotherKenneth Walther; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A memorial service at Emmanuel Lutheran Church will be arranged at a later time when all family members and friends are able to attend. Mr. Walthers family suggests that memorial donations be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 51 Wilburn Place, Asheville, NC 28806; or to Emerald Ridge Rehabilitation and Care Center, 23 Reynolds Mountain Blvd, Asheville, NC 28804.