James Gerald Eller
January 30, 1921 ~ August 4, 2008
Resided in:
Arden, NC
Arden - Dr. James Gerald Eller, 87, died on August 4th, 2008.
He was Professor Emeritus and founding Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Western Carolina University. He served as a Commissioned Officer in the US Navy. Gerald received his BS Degree from WCU and his PhD from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
He was the son of the late J.W. and Lillie Rogers Eller of Robbinsville, NC and also was preceded in death by his daughter, Jerri Eller Cathey and his son, Steven Fisher Eller.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Juanita Fisher Eller; his daughter Jeannie Eller Hubbard and husband, Jim Hubbard of Asheville; son-in-law, Ty Cathey; grandchildren, Holly Cathey Walters and husband, Tom, Joe Eller Cathey, all of Wilmington, NC, Jay and Cathy Hubbard of Jacksonville, Florida, Bobby Hubbard and Farah Glover of Charleston, SC and great grandchildren, Lily and Andy Walters.
A private graveside memorial service will be held at a later date. Internment will be in Shepherd Memorial Park.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Eller Lecture and Scholarship Fund at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
It was a pleasure to work under the leadership of Gerald when he was dean of Arts and Sciences. His support and guidance were invaluable to the Biology Department and to the young faculty that he hired in the late 1960s. Our thoughts are with Juanita and Jeannie at this time.
Dear Mrs. Eller & Family,
It was with great sadness that I learned of Dr. Eller’s passing. He was one of the best professors I had when I was a student a WCU (1953-1957). He was the one on whom I modeled my own teaching methods when I began my teaching career. His influence on WCU & its students is beyond measure. Please accept my sympathy during this difficult period of adjustment.
Dear Mrs. Eller, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I didn’t know Dr. Eller personally, but his leadership and legacy live on at WCU.
Cherokee Studies Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences, WCU.
I joined the Biology faculty at Western Carolina University two years ago. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Eller, I am very aware of his many contributions to the University. His legacy lives on through the Eller Lecture and Scholarship Fund at WCU. My fellow faculty members and I are very grateful for the support that this fund provides for student scholarships and for our seminar series. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Eller’s family at this difficult time.
We were saddened to learn of Gerald’s passing. We have many fond memories of him, going back to 1963. Our condolences to Juanita and the family.
Mrs. Eller, Jeannie, and family, I am so sad to hear of Dr. Eller’s death. Your family has been through so much in such a short time. Please know my thoughts & prayers will be with you during this time. I have a lot of very fond memories of your family & the time spent at your home as I was growing up; you & Dr. Eller were like my 2nd set of parents & Jeannie, you were like the sister I never had. Please know you have my deepest sympathies.
Love to you both,
Kay
Juanita, Jeannie: I only just learned of Gerald’s death recently. I am so sorry. The pain you have endured over the past few years is so great, but so is the love I, and many others, have for you. Please know that a day does not pass that I do not think of Steve. Gerald was a lovely man, and so dear to me.
Fondly, Elaine Lazar
Dear Juanita,
Dr. Eller and you were a charming couple. I always enjoyed seeing you both when you were lunching around town. He will be greatly missed. Take care.
Fay Powell, Cary, N. C.
Mrs. Eller and Jeannie,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Dear Juanita. My first interview with Gerald Eller in 1968 began a lifelong friendship that I treasure.
He was also my mentor from whom I learned so much. He will remain in my memory. My love to you. PK
We were so sorry to hear of Gerald’s death. We hope that he went peacefully, without pain.
What a wonderful legacy he left, not only at WCU, but also with his genealogy of the Ellers. The descendants all over the world will be forever grateful, as am I.
Our condolences to Juanita and
her famiy.
Susie & Bob Ray
Dr. Eller was one of the foremost leaders of Western Carolina University, especially active through its conversion from Western Carolina College to Western Carolina University. He was on the committee that hired me (James W.) and my Department Head early in my career. He was always friendly and supportive of faculty and encouraged us to do our best. He will be remembered as one the great leaders of the University.
Dear Juanita,
Patricia and I send you our most sincere condolence and sympathies in the death of Gerald. As you know we consider you and Gerald among our most cherished friends.
He was the teacher that sparked my first interest and educational development in the study of Ecology.
I greatly enjoyed the many years working with you and Gerald at the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COOPERATIVE STUDY UNIT at WCU. It was always a pleasant experience for Pat and me, to visit with you and Gerald during our retirement years.
Gerald’s legacy at WCU will always be remembered by his many students and colleagues.
Garrett and Pat Smathers