James Harry Painter Sr.

It is with great sadness, love, and profound gratitude that the family of James H. Painter announces his passing on December 1, 2022, at The Hermitage in Dillsboro, N.C.

James was born March 7, 1926, in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, to Harry Painter and Pearl Kirkwood Painter, and was the older brother of Betty Rae Painter Rompala. James served in the United States Army Air Corps and married his wife of seventy-six years, Lois Mae Danner, of Marion, Ohio, after receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1946. He received his Bachelor of Social Work from The Ohio State University and Master of Social Work from Indiana University.

A celebrated bandmaster and member of the Salvation Army Charlotte Temple Corps, James devoted his life to helping others. James worked as the Director of Social Services for the Western New York, Western Pennsylvania, and North and South Carolina Divisions of the Salvation Army. James was a member of the River City Brass Band, the Queen City Brass Band, and the Salvation Army Territorial Staff Band, where he had the honor of performing at Buckingham Palace. His close friends and family fondly remember him as a diligent and thoughtful musician, teacher, and father. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his children, James Jr. and Susan; and grandchildren, Tucker, Erin, Jennifer, Will, Tara, and Martin.

An online registry is available at: www.appalachianfuneralservices.com. Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva, NC is serving the family.