Dr. James Allison "Al" Shivers

Dr. James Allison “Al” Shivers, died peacefully on May 12th at CarePartners Solace Center with his wife and daughters by his side.

Al was born in Atlanta, GA, then raised in High Point, NC. A hard-working and exceedingly bright student, he graduated at the top of his class from High Point Central High School and earned his Eagle Scout. Due to his many achievements and well-rounded accomplishments, he was awarded the prestigious Morehead Scholarship for his undergraduate studies at UNC-Chapel Hill. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and was honored with a Morehead Fellowship to continue at UNC for medical school. After graduating medical school with entrance into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, he completed an intern year at the University of Virginia before returning once again to UNC for his Radiology residency.

Following his training, Al served two years as a Major in the Unites States Air Force at Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi. In 1977, he and his family relocated to Asheville where he was hired at then St. Joseph’s Hospital as a radiologist. He was on numerous committees at the hospital and served as Chief of Staff in 1990. He served as President of Western North Carolina Radiology Associates and was a partner and staff radiologist with Asheville Radiology Group for decades.

Al met the love of his life, Anna “Candy” Stell while in high school, and they subsequently married in 1970. They went on to have two daughters and enjoy one of the greatest loves on record. Al loved golf, hiking, and spending time at Bald Head Island. In his mid-life, he was also known to be quite the boat captain, pulling many a water-skier or tuber around the crystal waters of Lake Toxaway. A Tarheel through and through, he followed UNC basketball with fervent dedication.

His greatest legacy was his kindness. He had a contagious smile, listened more than he spoke, and – while a man of few words – those words were loving, thoughtful, and often perfectly timed.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Guy Shivers of High Point, NC. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Candy, daughters Allison (Ed) McBride, Amy (Jamie) Rowe, and grandchildren, Patrick and Andrew McBride, and James and Caroline Rowe. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (Tony) Orsbon of Charlotte, NC and many adoring nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Tuesday, May 16th at 11am followed by interment. The family would like to thank Dr. Peggy Noel of Memory Care, Bryan Myers his caregiver, Blue Ridge Premier’s physicians and the superb team who cared for Al at both Mission Neurosciences ICU and the CarePartners Solace Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Memory Care or Manna Foodbank.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.