Mr. Jim Justice

Jim Justice, of Asheville died Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center. A native of Buncombe County, he was son of the late James Straley Justice, Sr. A graduate of Lee Edwards High School, he moved to Charlotte, NC following graduation. He appeared in plays at the Mint Museum Theatre and was the Narrator in an outdoor drama about the Waxhaw Indians in Waxhaw, NC for two seasons. Later, moving to New York City, his first professional job was as an agent for photographers and commercial artist, among them Cindy Warhol. Returning to acting, he began studying with the Neighborhood Playhouses, Ken Eulo, July Bovasso and Stella Adler. He appeared in nearly 20 plays in New York and taught Ken Eulo’s “Eye Technique” in acting. He also appeared in several one man shows which he wrote. He returned to professional work in 1980 as Director of Administrative Services for the fourth largest advertising agency in the world then became assistant to the director of the John Hay Whitney Foundation until its closing. He then resumed a nearly 18 year relationship with the Newspaper Guild where he was special assistant to the President of the Newspaper Guild, New York. And later became the membership coordinator for the Wire Service Guild which represented members of the Associated Press and United Press International. After 20 years in New York, he moved to Williamston, NC where he was an active board member of the Martin County Arts Council. He wrote many feature stories for newspapers and was a recipient of the Pamlico Literary Society award as an outstanding writer in Eastern North Carolina. He was the featured solo dancer at the opening ceremony of a Nature Center in Martin County and wrote the lyrics for the song “Tobacco Man” which became one of the most requested songs on local radio stations. Jim moved to Asheville several years ago and continued work on his widely praised Abstract Art Paintings. Survivors include his step-mother, Sally B. Middleton and her husband, Walter of Sylva; step-brother, Arlin Middleton of Sylva; aunt Merle Buckner of Asheville; a cousin, Sandra Jones and her husband, Bill and their daughter, Amanda of Williamston, NC, A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 3, 2010 in the chapel of Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue with Ken Nelson officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to John F. Keever, Jr. Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. Morris Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Mr. Jim Justice

July 20, 2010 - September 30, 2010