James Keith York

james york

December 24, 1965 ~ April 2, 2023

Born in: Chicago , IL
Resided in: Weaverville, NC

James Keith York, 57, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 2, 2023.

James was born in Chicago, Illinois. As a teen, he travelled to Europe to perform as a violinist with the junior philharmonic. He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and served as Commandant of the Palmetto Marines Detachment 829, Marine Corps League, in West Columbia, SC. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and the University of South Carolina and was an avid and often frustrated supporter of Gamecock football.

Since moving to Asheville, James enjoyed working at ThermoFisher Scientific. He was an excellent musician, loved writing, appreciated old movies, and had a passion and award-winning talent for landscape photography. In every season, James was happiest behind his camera and exploring the backroads, falls, creeks, and farmland of North and South Carolina or finding the perfect spot to capture the Milky Way. He loved discussing photography and music with artists of any level.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Schroeder York; his pets, Binx and Buttercup; his mother and father-in-law; his brother and sisters-in law; his nieces and nephews, and his half-sister Kristin Holmes.

A memorial service followed with visitation will be held at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Saturday, April 8, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Western North Carolina Marines Toys for Tots at wnctft-nc.toysfortots.org.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

Services

Gathering of Friends & Family: April 8, 2023 2:00 pm - January 20, 2025 4:00 pm

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

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

Marines Veteran

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  1. I haven’t seen Jim in 38 years but we were friends in high school, and since our last names begin with the letter that is closely together, we were always in homeroom together. He was a lot of fun I’m sorry that he has passed. May you take solace in the scripture at second Corinthians the first chapter verses two through four.

  2. My heart goes out to Lisa and their family. Worked with James for a number of years at Cross Canvas. He was just the best. I am so blessed to have one of his beautiful photos framed in my living room as a present from him. He will always be in my memories. Love and prayers

  3. Our thoughts and prayers to the family. I’m so very sorry to hear this news. My husband and I knew James through the photography world online. He was an amazing and inspirational photographer. He was also a kind and lovely human whom we had hoped to meet face to face one day. Such a sad loss. Thoughts again to the family.

  4. Dear Lisa and all the family… my heart breaks for you all right now. James was a fantastic photographer (I met him through Tony Hood) and a patient teacher when I had questions. He even helped one of my 4H kids with photography. Often frustrated Gamecock football fan was a perfect description. He and my husband had several conversations about our beloved Gamecocks. He will be sorely missed. He sent my husband a picture of Sterling Sharpe from a game and I have one that he did of the barn at the old Sundance Arabians on Reems Creek. I’m glad we have them. We’ll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

  5. Traveled the world with James as close friends. Had a blast. I’m going to miss him tremendously.

  6. I remember you from high school and have been a huge admirer of your photography. You will be missed 😔

  7. Lisa

    Praying for you and your family during this time. May you always remember the good times you both had together. Hugs and loves Debbie

  8. My deepest sympathy for you and your family. James was a wonderful person and extremely gifted photographer who I’m blessed to have been friends with. It’s heartbreaking that he’s passed. He will be greatly missed.

  9. Lisa,
    I am so sorry. It truly is heartbreaking to hear of James’ passing. I hope you know how many people love you and are here for you. You are in my prayers.

  10. Lisa,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! I hope you can feel this great big PTK hug I’m sending you. Please know that you have the love and support of many.
    Laurie

  11. Lisa,
    I am so incredibly saddened to hear this. May you find a few smiles amid at the tears as you remember happier moments.
    Becca

  12. Lisa, I am deeply grief-stricken. I dubbed the two of you Lisa Dearest and James
    Darling after your wedding on a mountaintop almost eighteen years ago, and you both have remained to me–and to Jimmy, who shares my grief–profoundly dear and darling to my heart, so very dear and so deeply loved. We send our most heartfelt sympathies to you, your family, and all of James’s family, with much love.

    Dr Bob and Jimmy

  13. Lisa, I am deeply grief-stricken. I dubbed the two of you Lisa Dearest and James Darling after your wedding on a mountaintop almost eighteen years ago, and you both have remained to me–and to Jimmy, who shares my grief–profoundly dear and darling to my heart, so very dear and so deeply loved. We send our most heartfelt sympathies to you, your family, and all of James’s family, with much love.

    Dr Bob and Jimmy

  14. Sending love and prayers to his family. I worked with him on his line at Thermo Fisher. I won’t forget his laugh and smile

  15. Prayers to the family.
    James was an excellent member of our team at Thermo Fisher. A constant professional and great person to be around.
    Semper Fidelis Marine.

  16. I went to school with Jim…we had homeroom together in high school. I remember him as a quiet person with lots of artistic and musical talent. RIP ….


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