James Edward Passmore, Sr.

James Edward Passmore, Sr., 62, of Candler, NC passed away peacefully at his home on August 7th, 2026

James was born April 8th, 1964, to Jackie and Mildred Passmore in Haywood County and grew up in Candler, NC. He attended Candler Elementary and Enka High School, where he had an exceptional wrestling career under the direction of Coach Whitmer. He graduated high school in 1983 and served honorably in the US Army from 1986 to 1989 and in the Army Reserves until 1994. After military service, James returned to his hometown of Candler where he built a career as a machinist and gun armorer.

James was a member of the Waynesville Elks Lodge #1769 where he served as an Exalted Ruler and Trustee for 13 years where he made lifelong friends.

James built a beautiful life with Elaine Passmore, his wife of 36 years. They raised 4 children- Becky, Brandon, Jesse, and James, Jr. to whom he instilled the standards of: God, Family, and Country- in that order. He was an extremely proud father and even prouder Papaw. He made the best peanut butter cookies and could be counted on to never show up empty handed to visit a grandbaby.

James is survived by his wife, Elaine Passmore; his children, Becky Cooper (Clay), Brandon Passmore, Jesse Passmore (Mandy), and James Passmore, Jr. (Kala); and 8 grandchildren, Miriam Cooper, Eleanore Cooper, Kylie Kruggel, Madeline Cooper, Emilyne Cooper, Jesse Passmore, Jr., Livia Passmore, and Maggie Passmore. He is also survived by his parents, Jackie and Mildred Passmore; mother-in-law, Rita Bedard; siblings, Randy Passmore (Joyce), Robin Collins (Randy), and Amy Lewis (Kevin); and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Pearl Passmore; maternal grandparents, Chletis “Slick” and Merrell Gasaway; father-in-law, Leo Emile Bedard; Uncle, Ronald Passmore; and son, Joel Emile Passmore.

A Funeral Service will be held at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, officiated by the Rev. Josh DeHart, with a visitation starting one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m with Military Honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Waynesville Elks Lodge.
Waynesville Elks Lodge, NC #1769
PO Box 825
Waynesville, NC 28786-0825

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the Family.