James Dillard Ledford

james ledford

May 13, 1937 ~ January 21, 2017


Resided in: Asheville, NC

James Dillard Ledford, 79, died Saturday, January 21, 2017, at his residence. A native of Haywood County, Mr. Ledford was a son of the late Sylvanus Carl and French Singleton Ledford. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy, Roy, and Troy Ledford. Mr. Ledford was an Army veteran and a graduate of Asheville-Biltmore College and the University of Tennessee (Knoxville). He was a mechanical engineer with American Enka and BASF, retiring after 38 years. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Simmons Ledford; daughter, Melissa Anne Ledford; son, David Brian Ledford and wife Martha; sisters, Helen Brackett and Mary Ruth Pressley and husband Carroll; brothers, Charles Ledford and wife Donna and Carl Ledford and wife Becky; sister-in-law, Frances Ledford; and grandchildren, Andrew Brian Ledford and Meredith Caroline Ledford. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Ackerman officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park. His family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806, or to one's favorite charity.

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  1. I am so sorry to hear of James’ passing. I enjoyed working with him at BASF as well as connecting with him on Sundays at Grace. I loved seeing his smile. He had a sweet soul and disposition. I know he will be missed. May God bless you during this time of sadness. We have comfort that he is now in his Heavenly home. I am remembering all of you in my prayers.

  2. Melissa,

    I was so sorry to hear about your dad passing away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  3. Mary and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you during this time. Please let Wayne and I know if you need anything.
    Love,
    Wayne and Paula Nichols

  4. Barbara, David & Melissa,

    James was blessed by the three of you taking all efforts to keep him at home as his health and physical abilities declined. May you rest well each night knowing that you gave him the greatest gift, which is not always possible for families.

    I will miss him greatly.

  5. Barbara. we are so sorry to learn of James’ passing. He was always a kind and loving person and will be greatly missed. May God be with you and all the family during this time.

  6. Melissa and family – We are sorry for your loss and are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Kelly and Kym Frankel (Kelly, Doug Russell)

  7. Barbara, David, and Melissa and family: I am so sorry to just now hear of your loss. Unfortunately I have been out of town last week and this week and just heard about it and was unable to attend the services. I fondly remember our annual trips to Raleigh to move into Lee Dorm with James and my Dad hauling our loft and all our junk up the elevators. May God comfort you with all the wonderful memories of James and grant you peace.

    Allan


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