Dr. James Allison "Al" Shivers

james shivers

April 29, 1945 ~ May 12, 2023

Born in: Atlanta, GA
Resided in: Asheville, NC

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.

Services

Celebration of Life: May 16, 2023 11:00 am

Trinity Episcopal Church
60 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 253-9361
http://www.trinityasheville.org

Reception: May 16, 2023 12:00 pm

Room: Tuton Hall

Trinity Episcopal Church
60 Church Street
Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 253-9361
http://www.trinityasheville.org

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. What a wonderful man and a beautiful life lived. Sending prayers and love to Candy Allison, Amy and the rest of the family.

  2. What a privilege it was for Penny and me to know Al Shivers— a true gentleman of exemplary character and kindness! We send our heartfelt condolences, our prayers, and our love to Candy, Allison, Amy, and their family. Penny and Billy Peebles

  3. I was honored to have known Al.
    Candy: know that Jan and I are thinking of you during this difficult time.

  4. Candy, I regret that I cannot honor Al at Trinity tomorrow due to a prior obligation. You will be in my thoughts …..prayers coming your way. Linda

  5. I will always remember Al with fondness. He welcomed me into the practice with grace and friendship and was the epitome of the southern gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

  6. It was an honor and a delight to get to know Al while neighbors on Bald Head Island. We flew our UNC flags proudly! My deepest sympathy to you, Candy, and the girls. Love and prayers.
    Kim and John Clarke

  7. I had the privilege of working as a partner with Dr. Shivers for many years. He was a great mentor and example for me. He was a great radiologist and physician. Al was just a great guy. I miss him.

  8. Dear Candy
    We are so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He was such a good person. And you were such a great couple. We had so many great times with you two.
    Please be in touch when you are back at Bald Head and we’ll lift a glass to Al.
    Love, Robbie and Os

  9. Candy-
    We obvioulsy had not kept up since med school, but I remmeber Al well. Alwys a gentleman. So sorry for your loss.
    Best,
    George Venters

  10. Al Shivers was the epitome of a professional. In his white coat and with calm demeanor he eased many an anxious patient. He served as a mentor to me as well as quite a few others still practicing radiology here in WNC. Wishing peace to Candy and Al’s entire family.

  11. Al was a great partner and a wonderful man. His willingness to help us when we were new people in town will never be forgotten. A true gentleman, he will be sorely missed. Our prayers will be with Candy and the Shivers family.

  12. My sincere condolences to the Shivers family. I enjoyed working with Dr. Shivers after the merger of WNC Radiology and Asheville Radiology Group. He had a kind and gracious heart and was always a calm voice of reason in the midst of any storm.

  13. I knew Al as a fellow Morehead Scholar, Phi Delta Theta member at UNC, and staff radiologist at Keesler Air Force Base. I thought very highly of Al and wish Candy well.

  14. Dear Candy,
    There really are no words that come close to capturing the essence of Dr. Shivers. His kindness and soft-spoken manner were partnered with deep intelligence and wisdom – a very rare combination. It was a honor to know both of you throughout my career with St. Joseph’s Foundation and Asheville Radiology. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

  15. Candy – So sorry for your loss. Al was such a nice man.
    Only love can come to you and only light can be there with your family.

  16. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work for Dr. Shivers. Always such a gentleman and kind.
    Condolences to Candy and the family. With love and prayers.

    Betty Sanders

  17. Candy, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Al was a kind man and he will be missed.


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