James L. Padgett

James L. Padgett, 86, of Hayesville, passed away Friday, April 29, 2022.

He was born in Hayesville to the late James Guy and Lucille Young Padgett.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his elder sister, Clara Winchester.

James graduated from Hayesville High in 1953, serving as vice-president of his class and captain of the football team.

James served in the United States Army in Germany, returning in 1956 to pursue the courtship of Janice Parker of the Shooting Creek community. They were married in November of 1957 and she remains the love of his life.

James completed a Master of Architect degree at Georgia Tech. He and Janice moved to Asheville, N.C., where in time, James established the architectural  firm that would become Padgett and Freeman Architects. As a specialist in Public, Religious, and Commercial Architecture, Jim contributed materially to the educational, spiritual, and economic success of the region he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Janice and four children, Leigh, Jonathon and Patrick Padgett and Amy Padgett Rinkevich; three grandchildren, Rebecca and Seth Rinkevich and Harley Padgett; brother, Boyce and sister, Joy Loggins.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 20 at the Leford’s Chapel Church in Hayesville. Rev. Blythe Ethridge will officiate.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home: www.townson-rose.com is in charge of all arrangements.