James Franklin Dalton
May 2, 1922 ~ October 23, 2010
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville - James Franklin Dalton, 88, died Saturday, October 23, 2010 at his home.
A native and lifelong resident of Asheville, he was the son of the late John Baxter and Vista Edwards Dalton and also was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hix Dalton, brothers John and Bob, and sister Martha Lakenan.
Surviving are his two sons Jim, and his sons, Spencer and Connor; Jeff, his wife , Cheryl, and their daughters, Mary Moore and Sara Grace. Also surviving are his sisters Louise Haigler, Dorothy Lamson, and Mary Thompson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Dalton graduated from Asheville High School. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army in England, France and Germany. After a 23 year career with Sherwin-Williams, he became President of Stone Paint and Wallpaper Co. in Canton, NC. He continued to work part time after retirement at Holyday Paint Co. in Asheville. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Asheville for 75 years. He loved the church and his many friends there, especially his Sunday school class. He was an active member of the YMCA and exercised on a daily basis well into his 80's. A loving and generous man, with a distinct sense of humor, Jim had many friends from all walks of life. He loved to travel, eat good food, laugh, and reminisce. Sunday dinner with his grandchildren was a highlight of his week. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
His funeral will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, October 31, at First Baptist Church, Asheville. Dr. Guy Sayles will officiate. The family will meet with friends following the service.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of King's Friends Sunday School Class. A private burial is planned for Monday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations are made to either the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, or the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry.
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Big Jim was a gracious and kind gentleman who was always able to put others at ease with his gentle, unassuming manner. We will miss him, and always remember him fondly.
Dear Jimmy, Jeff and Family,
Your dad was such a good friend to Jo and all of us throughout the years. We were so sorry to hear of his death in church on Sunday morning but we understand he died peacefully with his family with him. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
With Love,
Woody, Ann, Carol and Ben Bolinger
Jim’s Family and Louise, Regardless of age, health, or any other circumstance we are never ready to lose our loved ones. The only comfort has to come from our Faith in the Sovereignty of God and the manifested concern of caring friends. Louise, you will remember working with me in the old Asheville Wachovia office. Glenn Hart’s wife Neta died last month. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Joe
Our family has a host of happy memories spent with Jim and Mary. We send our sincere sympathy to Jimmy and Jeff and their families. God bles you all was you adjust to your loss.
Our condolences to the Dalton family. We remember Jim from the Windswept Condominium Community. He was always friendly and willing to help in any way that he could. He was a true southern gentleman. We are sorry for your loss.
Jim and Jeff,
Sheila and I are saddened to hear about your father’s passing. I remember the good days at Mars Hill College, when your folks would be there to cheer us on. A greater memory for me is the Bible I still have that your parents gave me after I dedicated my life to Christ after the Billy Graham crusade in Asheville. May you and your family find peace in knowing that your parents are together again in the Lord’s house.
Love,
Carlos and Sheila Showers
Black Mountain
Everytime I met him on the trail I called out ‘Hey Big Papa’ and he would give me that big smile. We would stop for a long chat catching up on family, then he would crank up those long arms & legs and finish his route. The last time seems just a few short months ago. I will miss him dearly! Janet Whitworth
Jimmy and Jeff,
I am sorry to hear of your father’s death; I have such fond memories of him. I will always remember him stopping at my house on Caribou Rd when I was a little girl to get some tomatoes from our garden. I also enjoyed talking to him in the YMCA evening exercise class years ago; he was such an inspiration. I pray God will bring comfort to you and your family.
Jimmy, We both remember your dad as open and accepting of kids. From his influence in Midget-Mite football to high school basketball he was always there,always encouraging, always helping.He and your family are a part of the great memories we have of growing up when and where we did. He will be missed. Chuck and Cheryl Durrant
I have many fond memories of Uncle James and Aunt Tudie from when we would come to Asheville each summer when we were little girls.
Jimmy and Jeff: Your dad’s presence at the basketball games was always a constant for me. He was so supportive and proud of your accomplishments. At the fitness class at the YMCA, he was an inspiration to all ages. He was very loyal and dedicated. My prayers for you are those of comfort and strength. Your memories of him will last a life time. God bless!
To the Dalton family…..my thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Mr. Dalton’s smiling face and wonderful laugh that was always present during my years at TCR…Jimmy and Jeff my heart goes out to you both during this time…Remember the good times cause your Dad made every time a good time:) God Bless you both!
Jim and Jeff:
I am sorry about your Dad’s death.
You may not remember Patty and me: we were active at First Baptist, Asheville, from 1969-78. Your Dad and Mother were always very nice to us, and you tend to like people who treat you as such. They were genuine, down to earth individuals.
I will always remember Mary visiting Patty at Mission Hospital, after Patty had our first child(2-1971), a stillbirth son, after a perfect nine months pregnancy. She told Patty about her experience with miscarriages(as I recall). It meant a lot to Patty, since your Mother knew what Patty was experiencing.
I hope you have a GOOD day.
Rick(and Patty) Ferguson
I loved to listen to his stories, the goat one especially. Admired his love of his family.
Oh, Big Jim! What an institution. Too many memories of him to even begin to list. Hoops! We always talked about basketball. He was so proud of you, Jimmy and Jeff, and especially touched by the fathers you were to your children. Cheryl, he could never say enough wonderful things about you. You were a real blessing in his life. I just smile when I think of him, yet not seeing and sitting with him at games will be sad. Blessings to all of you.
I remember the first time I met Uncles James at my grandpa and grandma’s house (Bob, his brother, and Frances). He and grandpa walked alike, talked alike, laughed alike. I remember them telling stories of playing sports and arguing about who was the real benchwarmer and them both laughing till they cried. I was also able to visit with my parents and he took us to a secret location. He was giggling, making sure we had a change of clothes. We had no idea what he was up to! He took us to Sliding Rock and we loved it. I just loved him and I’m so sorry. I just think of the reunion going on in Heaven and I smile.
Jimmy and Jeff,
So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your Dad and his endless pocket full of butterscotch mints.
God Bless you and your families.
Teresa McFalls
It meant so much to us that Jim came to our mother’s funeral in 2009. We loved your mother and father so much and were sorry to hear of your loss. Your parents taught my BTU class about fifty years ago and we first new ‘Pup’ when he was in my daddy’s Sunday school class.
Uncle James was a good Christian man who was loved by many and will be sorely missed. He loved Jim and Jeff, Cheryl and his grandkids with all his heart. He was so proud of them and loved to talk about them. What a great example of a dad, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend!
When we visited from Oregon, we would load up his van and drive through North Carolina and Virginia visiting family and historic sites. He would complain about going to the historic sites because they were, “just another ole tourist trap,” but he was a good sport and usually went along with whatever we asked. We always had to take chicken salad sandwiches and pimento cheese and crackers and would stop for a picnic along the way. One time we met him in Baton Rouge and traveled with his sister Dorothy and my dad, Bob. He dubbed our white rental van as the “AARP van.” We have a great picture of him with a baby alligator sitting on his bald head during the Alligator Swamp Tour! Everyone knows what a good story teller he was and he had us laughing the whole time. What a great man!
Jimmy and Jeff,
I remember riding to church with your dad and the two of you when I was in elementary school and feeling so little because all of you guys seemed so big! He loved to tease me, and I can’t think of him without smiling and hearing that laugh. Mom (Carole James) had a good visit with your dad about two weeks before he died, and they talked about being ready for Heaven. Storing up your treasures there takes on a whole new meaning at times like this. Big Jim will be missed because he was one of a kind!
Jimmy and Jeff,
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I am glad that we had been having conversations recently.
We enjoyed working together and we always got along well.
He was very proud of his family.
I am glad that you were there for him.
Sincerely Jeana Brown
Dearest Cheryl, Jeff and girls:
May these words of sympathy help to comfort you today..and may loving memories bring you comfort, warmth and peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers as always,
Love,
Aunt Kelley
I always enjoyed talking with James at the early service at First Baptist. I will never forget seeing him stand by the door at Chambers Gym at Mars Hill College. He was a great man. We all will miss him. Rostand & Gail Smith
Dear Jimmy, Jeff and family,
We were saddened to read of the death of your faither. When I arrived at First Baptist in 1959 as Associate Pastor, Dot and I were newly weds. Jim and Mary took us in and made us feel at home in the church. When our first son was born and Dot had some difficult weeks Jim and Mary had us make their home our home and cared for us in such a beautiful way. We loved your parents so much and they made a real contribution to our lives and ministry. We were glad to have renewed contact with Jim when we came to Clyde as pastor in 1979 and Jim had his paint company in Canton. He was most helful to us at that time. You have a rich heritage – God bless and comfort you in this loss.
James and Dot Parham
My deepest sympathy to all of Jim’s family.
Jimmy and Jeff,
Reflecting back one of my favorite memories was and invitation to Jim and Mary’s home for dinner. The fellowship was wonderful. During that visit your mom shared her lemon bar recipe which I still cherish.
May God comfort each of you now and in the difficult days ahead.
Dear Family,
I never met Mr. Dalton, but have to tell you what an impact he made in my son’s life. Jordan always loved to visit Mr. Dalton! He allowed the neighborhood kids to play basketball in his driveway! He must have been a very patient person, as this would have gotten on my nerves. Before he died, Jordan went by to see him, and was so glad to get to visit with him. He must have been a very special person.
Love and prayers to the family!
Connie Fields
Dear Family My name is Ruth Ann Morrison Stallings, my mother Eunice Edwards Morrison was sister to Aunt Vista. I am trying to find some of my cousins. I am 73 and Live in Valrico Florida 813 657 4645. I loved my cousin James although he was much older than I we all had great times in the 40’s. I am so sorry he has passed, but we will meet again.