James Ronald Marshall

James Ronald Marshall, 86, of Cullowhee, North Carolina passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 17, 2016. Mr. Marshall was a retired mathematics professor from Western Carolina University. During his tenure there from 1968-1993, he also taught satellite classes at UNC-Asheville, Jamaica, and Colombia, South America. He was a frequent consultant for the NC Center for the Advancement of Teaching. In addition to co-authoring two textbooks with friend and professor, Nick Norgaard, Mr. Marshall received the W.W.Rankin Memorial Award for Excellence in Mathematics Education from the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics. His earlier teaching career began as a math teacher and coach at North Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was followed by professorships at Coker College in Hartsville, South Carolina and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Ron was a proud high school graduate from the Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Virginia and attended the Universities of Virginia and Appalachian State for his undergraduate studies. During the Korean War, he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Japan where he worked as a comunications technician. In 1953, he returned from Japan to marry his wife, Louise and continued to serve his remaining time in the Air Force at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. After four years of service, he furthered his education with graduate work at the Universities of Georgia, Appalachian State, North Carolina (Masters Degree) and Illinois (Masters Degree) Born April 6, 1930 in Keokee, Virginia to Carmel Alexander Marshall (Tom) and Ida Jane Cooper Marshall, Ron was predeceased by his parents, his brother- Robert Cooper Marshall, and his grandson-Christopher David Marshall. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louise Wyont Marshall of Cullowhee; son, David Ronald Marshall (Susan) of Allen, Texas; daughter, Marcia Marshall Franklin (Barry) of Waynesville, North Carolina; daughter, Joan Marshall Keever (Bruce) of Rock Hill, South Carolina; granddaughters, Jenny Marshall and Angie Marshall Marticorena (Javier) of Melissa, Texas; step granddaughter, Nicole Franklin Ross (Mick Jones) of Waynesville, North Carolina, and step great grandchildren; Millie, Harrison, and Lucas; also his special cousins in the Atlanta, Georgia; Westminster, Maryland; Maryville Tennessee; and Coeburn, Virginia areas. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 29 from 12-2pm followed by a brief celebration of his life at Appalachian Funeral Services and Crematorium, 165 Skyland Drive, Sylva, North Carolina and other times at the home. Memorials to the American Heart Association, Jackson County Circles of Hope/Mountain Projects 25 Schulman Street, Sylva, NC 28779 or The Community Table, PO Box 62 Dillsboro, NC 28725 would be greatly appreciated. .