James Richard Catron 72, of the Alarka Community, passed away peacefully, February 23, 2023, at the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville. He was the son of the late Floyd and Bessie Kresta Catron. James enjoyed the outdoors, working on his motorcycles and being outside. He also collected pipes. He was born in Kay County Oklahoma and was also a US Army Veteran. He retired from WCU after many years of service. He is survived by three sons: Robert Austin Franks(Jennifer), Robert Timothy Hunter(Egma), and James Harvey Kelley(Shannon); nine grandchildren: Mikenna Franks, Sean Hunter, Maddison Hunter, Mason Hunter, Leslie Reyes, Rose Reyes, Yanice Arocho, Justice Kelley, and Jayden Kelley; and 2 great-grandchildren: Jaxon Hunter & Camila Rojas A funeral Service will be held Wednesday March 1, 2023, at the Chapel of Crisp Funeral Home with Burial following at the Mason Branch Cemetery.