James "Jim" Alan Christian

james

September 1, 1945 ~ September 10, 2020

Born in: Dayton, OH
Resided in: Asheville, NC

James “Jim” Alan Christian, 75, of Asheville, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Mission Hospital.

Born in Dayton, OH, he was the husband of the late Maureen (Dufries) Christian, and the son of the late Leonard Henry and Katherine Marie (Thompson) Christian. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Michael.

Jim was a member of St. Eugene Catholic Church, Asheville.

He was a graduate of Belmont Abby College in North Carolina, and received his Master’s from Georgia Tech. He stayed close to his fraternity brothers all his life. Jim was heavily involved in the Asheville Rotary, ABCCM, and Sisters of Mercy. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and papa.

He is survived by a son, Kevin Christian (Renee Laws Christian) of Barnardsville; a daughter, Kaitlin Christian of Baltimore, MD; 2 granddaughters: Kaylee and Khloe Christian of Barnardsville; a brother, Don Christian (Nancy) of Topeka, KS; a sister, Linda Klimek (Bob) of Golden, CO; and a sister-in-law, Jeanette Christian, of Topeka.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, September 14, 2020 at St. Eugene Catholic Church, 72 Culvern St., Asheville, NC 28804 with Rev. Patrick Cahill officiating. Burial will follow in Lewis Memorial Park. Jim will lie in repose from 4:00 PM Friday until 11 AM Monday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, where friends may view and sign the register book. At other times, the family will receive friends at their home. Masks are required at the funeral home and the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church at the address above, or to ABCCM online at www.abccm.org/givenow1.

Services

For those who wish to pay their respects: September 11, 2020 4:00 pm - April 26, 2024 5:30 pm

Room: Dogwood

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

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

For those who wish to pay their respects: September 12, 2020 8:00 am - April 26, 2024 5:30 pm

Room: Dogwood

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

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

For those who wish to pay their respects: September 13, 2020 8:00 am - April 26, 2024 5:30 pm

Room: Dogwood

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

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

For those who wish to pay their respects: September 14, 2020 8:00 am - April 26, 2024 11:00 am

Room: Dogwood

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

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

Funeral Mass: September 14, 2020 1:00 pm - April 26, 2024 2:00 pm

Room: Sanctuary

St. Eugene's Catholic Church
72 Culvern Street
Asheville, NC 28804

828-252-3535

Burial: September 14, 2020 2:15 pm - April 26, 2024 2:30 pm

Lewis Memorial Park
415 Beaverdam Road
Asheville, NC 28804

252-5081

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Guestbook

  1. Uncle Jim will be missed. The silver lining is that he’s now in good company. For me the word “outstanding” will always be associated with him as he exclaimed that about anything of beauty at which he pointed the camera. May God’s peace be with the family so that we can all comfort one another as he would want it.

  2. What a great life well lived, young Man!

    I can’t imagine the greeting your about to have from all those before you…. so until we meet on the back nine, Sail on brother Jim…

    Our deepest sympathy to Kaitlin, Kevin and family.

    Denise & Dennis Lilly

    • My heart goes out to Jim’s family. He was a kind and gentle man of impeccable integrity who adored his family. He was my fraternity brother and mentor at Belmont Abbey College and remained a friend
      for life. A few years ago I had an opportunity to spend several weeks with Jim, Maureen and Kaitlyn in Savannah GA. while Kaitlyn was recovering from an auto accident there.
      The family demonstrated great faith and courage during a very difficult time in their lives. We prayed together daily for Kaitlyn’s recovery and I cherish the time we had together.

  3. Sending prayers and hugs to all of Jim’s family and loved ones as you grieve the loss of a great man.
    I only recently met Jim, but I will always hold he and Moe in my heart. When I needed someone they were there.
    Kate, we will be here for you and know we love you!!!

  4. So sorry to hear about the passing of our dear friend Jim. We loved Jim and will miss him very much. He always had a great smile and a kind word. Our prayers are for the family at this time of grief. RIP Jim. Love you buddy!

  5. I worked as Staff Assistant to Jim at the Asheville VA Medical Center for several years. He was always a gentleman, and well respected. My prayers to the family for your loss.

  6. Dear Kaitlin and Kevin & Family,
    So sorry for the loss of your dad, who was a wonderful man (and my boss at MAHEC, where he spoke of you all often and adoringly). At least we know for sure that he is with your mom in Heaven. God bless.

  7. Jim was my roommate & fraternity brother @ the Abbey. Talked to him 3 weeks ago. We always stayed in contact. Living in a New Moon mobile home in 1966 on the edge of campus, we thought that year went on for ever.Little did we know the next 54 years would zoom by like a Plymouth Barracuda. (His car). My wife, Dale, & I extend our Condolences & Deepest Sympathy to Jim’s Family & my fraternity brothers who have stayed close for over 50 Amazing years. Rest In Peace with Mo..

  8. I worked with Mr. Christian at the VA Medical Center for many years and he was one of the kindest, most gentle souls I have ever met. He was a caring person not only for the Veterans, but also to the employees. Prayers for his family for he will surely be missed.

  9. Kevin and family. We are sorry that your father has passed so suddenly. Our prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. Linda and I will keep you in our prayers in the days ahead. Blessings, James and Linda Banks

  10. Working with Jim was a pleasure and he will be missed deeply. Sending my condolences.
    Warm Regards,
    Elizabeth Flemming

  11. Jim, I am grateful you were able
    to join the Family Zoom that Court
    graciously hosted. I felt as if your
    whole family were there with us
    and it was joyful. All of you are loved.

  12. Jim was such a kind, wonderful, and gracious man. Our prayers are with you, Kevin and Kaitlyn, and all of the extended Christian family, I know he will be greatly missed by all of you. May God keep you in his gentle embrace.

  13. A true southern gentleman who will be missed dearly. Jim was well respected, highly intelligent, athletic, and loved by all. My PKT brother will surely be missed. Heaven has gained an angel. Our condolences to his family.

  14. I am so sorry to hear the sad news about Jimmy’s passing. Jim was a fellow Phi Kappa Theta brother and student at Belmont Abbey College. I and many of his fellow brothers will sadly miss Jim and will always remember him as one of the nicest and most gentle guys for those of us who were blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers for Jimmy and his family. RIP.

  15. My condolences to the Christian Family. I am sorry to hear of Jim’s transition, I worked with him at MAHEC for several years after he left the VA. I am so sorry for your loss of such an extraordinary human being. Blessings to all


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