Jesse Corbet Bumgarner

Jesse Corbet Bumgarner, 78, of Weaverville, died Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Solace Hospice Center in Asheville.  Jesse was born in Haywood County on March 6, 1948, to the late Morris Edward Bumgarner and the late Opal Wright Bumgarner and was raised in Black Mountain, NC, and lived in Buncombe County most of his life.

J.C. attended North Carolina State University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and became a Wolfpack fan for life.  He specialized in dam design and worked for several engineering firms before eventually opening his own, Pinnacle Engineers.  He was known amongst his colleagues as the “Guru of Dam Design,” even testifying before Congress once about dam safety.  Jesse played and coached rugby at N.C. State.  He loved the game of rugby and even refereed after he retired from playing.  His love for coaching continued as he coached his children on several of their sports teams.  J.C. was a dedicated and loving father who taught his children the value of hard work. He had a love for gem hunting, trapping, and gardening, and he was an avid reader, often amazing his family with his knowledge of an abundance of subjects. Jesse loved his family and always showed up for them.  He also cared deeply about his community and was a founding and instrumental member of the Flat Creek Association of Concerned Citizens (later North Buncombe Association of Concerned Citizens), who fought a court battle spanning twelve years to prevent Vulcan Materials Company from building a rock quarry in the area. 

J.C. was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Bumgarner, and his great-grandson, Ezekiel Perry. 

J.C. is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lynn Bumgarner; his children, Enid Bauer, Amanda Cole (Daniel), and Abel Bumgarner; his grandchildren, Mackenzie Bauer, Zachary Bauer, Hannah Bauer, Caden Craddock, and Brady Craddock; and his great granddaughter, Sorrelle Bauer, who was born 1 hour and 48 minutes before his death; his sisters, Penny Greene (Allan), Suzan Baker (Mike), Mitzi Cooper, and Anita Fletcher (John); and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

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