James E. Lupo

James Erwin Lupo, 87, of Skyland Drive in Sylva, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3rd at Skyland Care Center.

James was the son of the late Floyd Lupo and Edna Ensley. He loved the Lord and daily showed his love to others. James was a shining example of what a Christian should be.

James was a long standing member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and in his earlier years attended the Old Locust Field Baptist Church where he was a deacon, superintendent and Sunday School teacher.

James went into the Army when he turned 17, stayed in for three years, came back home to Sylva, and then moved out to California for a few years. He came back to Sylva where he met the love of his life, Evelyn Bumgarner, of the Locust Creek community.

James was a devoted husband to Evelyn for almost 50 years. He took care of her until she passed in 2015. James loved his family. He loved his daughter, Linda, her husband, Dean, and his grandson, Jared of Nations Creek.

James worked at Dayco for almost 30 years where he took early retirement. After retirement, he went back to work for Mountain Projects for 25 years.

James enjoyed fishing, gardening, and working in his yard. In his later years he enjoyed visiting friends and loved getting together with his buddies at McDonalds. He also continued attending church regularly as his health would allow.

James has two living brothers, Eddie Lupo of Cleveland, TN and Roy Lupo of Charleston, SC. He had a sister, Elizabeth Buchanan, who passed away several years ago.

Funeral services for James will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 8th in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Tommy Ashe officiating. A visitation will be held two hours prior from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. After the service his body will be taken for cremation. A later date will be scheduled for a graveside service at the Locust Field Cemetery with the Rev. David Burch officiating.

A special thank you from the family to the nurses and staff on 400 hall at Skyland Care Center. We appreciate all that you did to help make his last days happier and brighter.