James William "Jim" Webb Jr.

James William Webb, Jr., age 81 of Cruso, NC, passed away peacefully at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

He was born on March 13, 1944, in Memphis, TN, to the late James William Webb, Sr., and the late Ann Kilpatrick; he then later resided in Jackson, MS, before moving to Atlanta in 1959.

Jim graduated from Avondale High School in 1962. He studied Architecture at Georgia Institute of Technology and worked for a while doing aerial mapping.

A chance encounter with a former classmate, Bob Gibson, ultimately led to them buying property together – an old apple orchard in Cruso, where they used their architectural skills to design their respective homes.

He became an avid organic gardener, earning the title "Master Gardener" and becoming a familiar face at the Waynesville Farmer's Market and the Haywood County Fair.

He got to know the folks in the community through his H&R Block office, where he was an IRS-certified "Enrolled Agent" for over 30 years. He served his community as a Cruso Volunteer Fireman for over 20 years.

Webb was an outgoing person, with a love of dogs, cats, birds, black snakes, and the forest creatures who raided his birdfeeders nightly. He enjoyed motorsports and attended Petit Le Mans races at Road Atlanta with his wife, sister, and brother-in-law in their RV.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Zekas Webb; his brother-in-law, Jim Baile; and many dogs and cats.

He is survived by his sister, Shirley Baile; nephews, Bob (Lisa) and Charles (Kim); 2 grand-nephews, 3 grand-nieces and 1 great-grand-niece; his cousins, Nancy Webb Buelow, Julie Mulhern (Matt), Georgia and Jack Mulhern and Julia Mulhern Turner; friends, Bob and Lucy Gibson and his loving caregivers, Dean Heisler, Jackie Henson, Nancy Price, Elena McCracken and Dee Wells.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Webb family.