James Haywood Shearon

We are devastated to announce the passing of James Haywood Shearon of Asheville, NC, born February 6th, 1995.

He was raised in Wilmington, NC and was the seventh of eight children. Survived by his Mother, Wendy Jones; Grandmother (Gammy), Melanie Watters. Siblings; Laura Stewart, Sara King, Whitney Owens, Jesse Shearon, Michael Shearon, Jacob Shearon and Lilly Shearon. Nieces and nephews; Kayden Suggs, Lyric Stewart, Sylas Owens, Sydlea Owens and Hudson Mantlo.

James was a precocious child with endless curiosity, lots of energy, and a knack for driving us a little crazy at times. He adored and always had a special bond with animals, especially cats. He moved to Asheville, NC at 18 years of age, where he has mostly resided since.

During his time in Asheville, he worked in various kitchens (Cafe 64, Blackbird and All Day Darling) and made a name for himself (Juicebox) in the local service industry. His passion was food and to cook for others, with Anthony Bourdain being his idol. He loved reading, riding his bike and writing poetry. James made friends and helped people wherever life took him.

His travels took him to Mexico and all the way across the country to Washington state. He loved being a witness to the various landscapes and always wanted to one day live in Montana. He even once even braved the seas to live on a sailboat!

He was such a light in this sometimes dark world and he touched the lives of so many people across multiple generations. James leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his stories and hilarious sense of humor. He truly brought life to the party.

“As you move through this life and this world, you change things slightly; you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life-and travel-leaves marks-on you. Most of the time, those marks-on your body or on your heart-are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt. “ -Anthony B.

“Travel as you will, eat what you wanna eat” -James

James is now at peace and preceded in death by his Father, James Michael Shearon and Grandfather (De-daddy) Haywood Ralph Watters Sr .

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