James Austin

James Edward Austin, 88, of Pisgah Forest, was taken home by the angels on January 10, 2018. He was born one of seven children, Leicester, NC to Walter and Docia Austin. The family moved to Transylvania County in 1944.

James served in the Air Force for four years; as well as serving 34 years in the Georgia Air National Guard where he retired as a Master Sergeant. He also retired after 37 years of employment with the Ecusta Corp. James enjoyed spending time with his family, raising and naming his cattle and watching NASCAR.
James was predeceased by his parents, his brother William Austin, sisters Helen Cochran and Margaret Johnson; and son-in-law's Douglas Cooper and Robert Lambert.

James is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn McCall Austin; his cat "Mew-Mew"; his three daughter Paula Lambert Davis and her husband Charles, Debra Blackwell and her husband Hank, and Linda Souther and her husband Steve; his grandchildren Robin Strait (Matt), Carol Walker (Wes), Michael Cooper (Kristin), Cassie Ashworth, T.J. Souther (Hannah), Sarah Bond (Kell); and his great-grandchildren Ava and Emma, Callie and Austin, Teagan, Lilli and Ellis, and Alina, Cooper and Luke. He is also survived by his sisters Christine Hamilton and JoAnn Norton (J.B.), and his brother Harold Austin (Louise). James will be dearly missed by his family.

Funeral Services for James Austin will be held at 11:00 on Friday, January 12, 2018 at Blantyre Baptist Church with Rev. Ron Nelson and Sherwood Mackey officiating. Burial will follow at Little River Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.