James Wilbur Coughlin

Mr. Coughlin a native of Wisconsin and served in the US Army Signal Corps during WW II. He was a 1950 graduate of University of Wisconsin receiving a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He was a marketing manager for the Square D Company for 30 years and was transferred to Asheville in 1961.

He was active with various community services including the Habitat for Humanity, the “Festival of Trees” fund-raiser for Hospice, and Helpmate, Inc.

He was an active member of St. Eugene’s Catholic Church, serving on numerous boards, committees and activities.

Mr. Coughlin is survived by his wife, Virginia; his son Michael and wife Nina of Greensboro, NC; son Patrick and wife Julie of Weaverville, NC; daughter Karen and Jerry Brown of Hendersonville, NC; daughter Joanne Davis and husband Jeff of Dublin, GA; and daughter Diane who lives in the Wolf Laurel area of NC; eight grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel, Christopher, Sean, Scooter, Vandy, Michael and Ryan.

He is also survived by a brother Joseph and his wife Elaine, a sister Virginia and her husband Steve Brigham, a sister Bette and her husband Dr. William Tyznik, a brother William and his wife JoAnne, a sister Helen Rita Bass, and a brother Steve and his wife Corrine.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am Tuesday at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, D.M. by the Rev. Fr. Francis T. Cancro. Private interment will be at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Eugene’s Catholic Church Building Fund, 72 Culvern Street, Asheville, NC 28804, or to the American Cancer Society, 120 Executive Place, Building 1, Asheville, NC 28801.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is in charge of the arrangements.