James M. Cuellar
April 16, 1967 ~ November 22, 2020
Born in:
Norfolk, VA
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailJames Martin Cuellar, 53, of Arden died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Mission Hospital following a prolonged illness. He was blessed to have his wife and mother at his side.
James was born in Norfolk, VA. to Barbara (Newman) Cuellar and the late Manuel Alonzo Cuellar, but her grew up in South Florida. All who knew James knew his love of sports (Canes, Dolphins, Heat), but especially the University of Miami Hurricanes. He was always saying, “It’s all about the U!”
James met his wife in college, Cumberland College in Williamsburg, KY. James and his wife spent the last thirty-one years together, twenty-seven in marriage. During that time they started a business together, C & B Support Services, Inc. dedicated to serving medically fragile children throughout Western North Carolina. They also spent years as foster parents for Buncombe County. During that time, they were blessed to be able to adopt their two children. James was a loving family man, doting husband and a tremendous friend to so many. The only thing bigger than his personality, was his heart. He was a member of Nativity Lutheran Church in Arden and enjoyed being part of this, his larger family.
James is survived by his wife Robin Stalnaker Cuellar and their children Mari and Noah. He also leaves behind his mother Barbara Newman Cuellar of Arden, brother Joseph Cuellar of Asheville, sister Dianna Martinez of Asheville, sister Kathryn Cuellar of Arden and sister Dulcinea Kimrey of Charlotte. James will be greatly missed by his niece Elizabeth Milsaps of Charlotte and nephew Richard Gibbard of Arden, nephew Jonathan Cuellar of Miami, Fl., nephew Michael Cuellar of Miami, Fl., and Nicholas Cuellar of Michigan. James also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews, Lailani and Jonah Cuellar of Arden were particularly close to their Uncle. He was preceded in death by his beloved niece Christina Martinez 32 of Arden.
A memorial “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 1pm at the Whisnant Chapel at Lutheridge Conference Center in Arden. The family hopes to share a time of love, laughter and story-telling, something James would want.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in James’ memory may be made to ELCA, c/o Lutheran Church of the Nativity, 2425 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 28704. Please note “James Cuellar” on the memo line of your check.
Services
Celebration of Life: January 9, 2021 1:00 pm
Whisnant Chapel at Lutheridge Conference Center
2511 Hendersonville Rd.
Arden, NC 28704
Robin, so sorry to hear the new James has passed. He was a gentle person and I now he cared for people especially children. I miss seeing you and James. I know your time with James was short, but a lot of great memories you have in your heart. May our Lord and Savior keep you. He loves you. And I love you too Ann Fox
I never got to meet you in person. I met Mari when she was small. James took my daughter, Mahala Anne Haney, in his practice many many years ago. He helped a young mom who had no idea how to navigate through all the redtape and taught me how to be an advocate for her. In the years that followed when I would talk to other parents I would always give them his card and tell them that if it could be done James would get it for their child.
Mahala loved his visits and when Mari would come along she would hug her so much. Sometimes more than Mari wanted.
I came about his obituary because I was going to pass along his name to a struggling parent.
My heart is so heavy for you and your family. I know that he has left a huge space that can never be filled.
Heaven is a little sweeter with him there. I wonder if he and Mahala have found one another yet.
Please know I send you my love Robin and pray for peace to be with you in the days, months, years ahead.
I know he loved you and his family more than anything!
I love you