ASHEVILLE — Dr. James "Jim" Kermit Sexton, 78, of Asheville, died May 30 at John F. Keever Solace Center. A native of Elkhorn City, Ky., he was son of the late Kermit and Ruby Owens Sexton.
Always the advocate for education, Jim was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University. He began his medical career in Dunbar, W.Va., joining the family practice of Joseph A. Smith, MD. Dr. Sexton later served his residency in radiology at Duke University, before joining the staff of Charleston Area Medical Center where he served a term as Chief of Staff. As an Interventional Radiologist, Dr. Sexton was a partner in Associated Radiologists, Inc. of Charleston, W.Va.
A wonderful husband, father and patriot, Jim loved his family and his country. For 26 years he was a proud member of the West Virginia Air National Guard, where he loved and enjoyed the camaraderie of the 130th Tactical Airlift Group.
Following retirement, the Sextons moved to Asheville, N.C. in late 1997 so that they could be centrally located to family.
His survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara Alice "Bobbie" Sexton; son, James Kermit Alderson "Jaimey" Sexton and his wife, Kelly Ann Wood of Chicago, Ill.; two daughters, Kelli Susan Saenz and her husband, Tony of Greensboro, and Amanda Leigh Sexton of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister, Sue Ann Ford and her husband, Steve of Lawrenceburg, Ky.; three grandchildren, James Alexander and William Porter Saenz and Jordan Rose Wood; and his best friend of 72 years, William Godfrey Wheeler, MD.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, June 2, 2012, in the chapel of Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue with Rev. Elizabeth Walker officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605; Brother Wolf Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 8195, Asheville NC 28814 or Asheville Humane Society, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806.
The Sexton family would like to express special thanks to Dr. Louis Diehl of Duke University, Morris Clinic for the kind care of Jim; to Father Brent Norris of St. Mary's Episcopal Church for his loving pastoral care; to Dr. Gregory Pollack for his kindness and care and the wonderful nursing staff on the 10th floor at Mission/St. Joseph's Hospital.
Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent through the website www.morrisfamilyfuneralhome.com
