James Norman Ramsey

James Norman Ramsey passed away in Asheville, North Carolina on August 29, 2024.
 
James was born in Asheville, North Carolina in 1946. He attended Fletcher Academy during his senior year in high school and then enrolled at Southern Adventist University. His love of language, history, and music was further nurtured when studying at Newbold College in England in 1965-66. While there, James also earned diplomas from the London Royal School of Music.
 
Upon graduating from Southern Adventist University with a BA in History and English (with a secondary teaching credential), James taught in elementary and high schools. He also pursued graduate study in Literacy and Reading at Andrews University and then was awarded a PhD from LaSalle University in Educational Administration in 2001.   
 
James later served as an instructor at institutions ranging from community colleges to correctional institutions. He also created various academic programs. One memorable experience was in the US Virgin Islands where James established an adult literacy project in 1979-1981. James always sought opportunities to mentor students and remained in frequent contact with many of these students for over 55 years. His favorite quotation from Ellen White emphasized the value of the spiritual, mental, and physical: "True education is well defined as the harmonious development of all the faculties."
 
James developed a passion for Catholic and Eastern Orthodox beliefs and icons. He read widely about the creation of icons and experimented with painting them. While these icons reveal spiritual truths and reflect God's presence in earthy life, James will now be able to see God face to face in Heaven. 
 
James was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford N. Ramsey and Lillian Bradley Ramsey and Nephews Christopher Ramsey, Karrington Kent, Brian Harris.

James is survived by four siblings, David Ramsey (Jeanette), Bruce Ramsey (Lois), Don Ramsey (Jan), Ann Harris (Danny) and many nieces, nephews and many special friends and canine friend Caitlyn. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.  

A service for the Requiem will be at the Church of the Resurrection, 116 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville NC on September 7, 2024 at 10am.
      
Donations in James’s memory may be made to the Church of the Resurrection- link to pay pal account is on the website at: https://www.cotres.org/ [cotres.org] or Victory Baptist Church Meal Plan at 80 Olivette Rd, Asheville NC 28804

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