James Sommers

     James Sommers of Clyde, NC, departed from this earthly life and entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2019 after a battle with pneumonia.  He is survived by his three children and their spouses, Vicki (Thomas) Provost from Milwaukee, WI; Jeffrey (Sandy) Sommers from Jonesborough, TN; and Shelley (Peter) Drevas from Clyde, NC. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Craig (Kelly) Sommers, Jenny Rath, Christopher (Kelli) Sommers, John Rath, and Liz Drevas, great grandchildren, Carey and, Caley Sommers, Maya Stites-Rath, Victoria Rath-Meyers, and Malakai Sommers, close family friends, Kristen Randall, Lorelei Garnes, Terry Rollins and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by Alta, his wife of 71 years, the love of his life, and his sister, Betty Rathbun.

     Jim served in World War II in France under General Patton. Upon his release from the army after the war, he enrolled in the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI under the GI Bill. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting in three years while supporting his wife and child. He subsequently received his CPA credentials and spent his career working for the Internal Revenue Service, eventually being promoted to the Appellate Division, until his retirement at age 55.

     Jim was a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan and Wisconsin Badger backer. He also loved to golf in his golden years.

      A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 4th at Piney Grove United Methodist Church, 10 Piney Grove Road, Waynesville, NC. A luncheon for family and friends will be held in the church, following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James A. Sommers to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org, 55 West Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.

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