James "Jim" Victor Stafford

James “Jim” Victor Stafford, 79, of Asheville, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024.

A native of Buncombe County, Jim was the son of the late Carlyle Verona Stafford and Martha Elizabeth Cunningham Stafford. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Martha Kleibor Stafford, who passed away in 2008 and one son, Robert Jonathan Stafford, who passed away in 1987.

Jim was employed at Brunner & Lay in his early working years before his family established Asheville Bit & Steel in 1969. He became the President of the company in 1972 and always saw it as a hobby instead of a job. Jim truly loved the work and enjoyed meeting and talking with co-workers and customers alike. He went to school for art and was a gifted illustrator and artist. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed playing pool, the companionship of dogs, going to the beach and collecting cars, especially mid-1960’s model Mustangs and parts.

He was widely regarded as a selfless man and was loving to a fault. He had a wicked and clever sense of humor, able to find a laugh in any situation.

Jim is survived by two children, Monica Stafford (her husband Carl) and Vic Stafford (his wife Carly); three grandchildren, Mikell Womack (her husband Chris), Kaitie Conway (her husband Teagen) and Noel Stafford; five great-grandchildren, Bailey, Alyssa, Aiden, Avery and Magnolia; two sisters, Vicki Stafford and Patti Kilpatrick (her husband Harold); brother-in-law, John Kleibor; niece, Molly Kilpatrick-Sama (her husband Nic); great-nephew, Liam and family friend and caregiver, Myron Hannon.

A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, August 20 at the Biltmore Church Of God, 1390 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803. The family will greet friends at the church on Tuesday from 4:00 PM until 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one’s local Humane Society.

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