Benson "Ben" Luther James, Jr.

    Benson “Ben” Luther James, Jr., 72, of Swannanoa, passed away Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Mission St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville.

    Ben was born is Asheville, North Carolina on April 24, 1945 to the late Benson Luther James, Sr. and Mary Catherine Ray James Dannenberg. He was a retired truck driver who loved the outdoors. Ben enjoyed golfing and fishing, but most of all, he loved God, his family and friends. He touched the hearts of many and will be greatly missed.

    In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his step father, Arnold Dannenberg; and a great grandson, Nathaniel Norton.

    Survivors include a daughter, Sharon J. Ball and husband Donald of Asheville; a son, Thomas Lee James and wife Tammy of Fletcher; a sister, Rebecca Cole and husband Walter of Asheville; a brother, Enoch “Butch” James of the home; four grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.

    A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at the chapel of Penland Family Funeral Home in Swannanoa.  Rev. Robert Haynie and Rev. James Calloway will officiate. Interment will follow at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory in Asheville.

    The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231. Condolences may be made to the family at www.PenlandFamilyFuneralHome.com 

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