James Wilson Gibbon Woollcott
September 18, 1930 ~ February 9, 2022
Born in:
Richmond, VA
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
James Wilson Gibbon Woollcott passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2022, surrounded by family and love. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He was born in 1930 in Richmond, Virginia to Philip Woollcott and Corinne Gibbon Woollcott.
His family moved to Asheville in 1933. He attended Newton School, David Millard, Hazeltine and Asheville School going on to earn a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He served two years in the United States Navy stationed on the Destroyer Hyman.
Upon returning to Asheville, he went to work for his father at the original Bank of Asheville, later becoming President and Chairman of the Board.
During his years at the bank, he served in leadership roles on Memorial Mission Hospital Board, Chairman 1970-72, United Way and Warren Wilson College.
After retiring from banking, he enjoyed serving on the board at the Janirve Foundation from 1988-2012.
He enjoyed playing tennis for most of his life and being whipped regularly by his fellow players.
He is survived by his loving wife Llewellyn of 55 years; brother Dr. Philip Woollcott (Trisha); son James Philip Woollcott (Emily); daughter Llewellyn Schiffman (Mark); four grandchildren May Collins Woollcott, Benjamin Woollcott, Lucas Schiffman and Ella Schiffman; nieces Corinne Nassen (John) and Johanna McCarthy (Eugene); nephew Christopher Woollcott (Sarah); grandnieces Monavea and Karenna. He was preceded in death by his son Alex Woollcott.
Burial will be private. Donations welcomed at ABCCM and The Humane Society.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Dear Llewellyn and Family,
We just learned today that Jim had passed away. We wanted you to know how much we will all miss him in Deerhaven. Please know that we pray God’s comfort and peace for you as you mourn his passing but celebrate a life well lived!
With Sympathy and Love, Scott and Donna Toth
My sincere condolences to the Woollcott Family for your loss. This community has lost a banking legend. I will never forget Jimmy & Philip Woollcott for giving me an opportunity (1967) to become a community banker. May God Bless you All
Annette Coleman, Retired Bank of America
I just learned that Jim had passed recently, and the community has lost a true leader of class and integrity. We interfaced frequently during my career at Square D, and I held him in very high esteem. He was a caring gentleman and did a lot to improve our community with his leadership at the Janirve Foundation and with other organizations. My condolences to the family during this difficult time.
Dear Philip, Emily, and all the Woollcott family,
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this time of great loss. So glad you were at home with both parents during this hard time. Your dad enjoyed a long life and I’m sure you kept him young at heart! Peace and blessings to you.
Playmates from the age of 12,will miss my pal.