James “Jim” Alexander Sockwell

James “Jim” Alexander Sockwell, 84, of Spruce Pine, NC, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Born in Tuscumbia, AL, on April 20, 1942, he was the son of the late William T. Sockwell and Faye McWilliams Sockwell. After moving around for much of his childhood, his family settled in Chattanooga, TN, where he attended Chattanooga High School (Class of 1961) and met his future wife, Sheilah. He later moved his family to Spruce Pine, NC, where he lived for more than 50 years.

Jim was a creative and resourceful craftsman, well known for his functional stoneware pottery and, after retiring from a career in land surveying, his marquetry. He was a juried member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild in both pottery and wood, where he received the Lifetime Member Award. He was also a member of Piedmont Craftsmen and the American Marquetry Society.

Jim enjoyed working with his hands. He designed and built his home in Spruce Pine, largely by himself, over more than a decade. He lived life joyfully, usually outside, gardening, shooting skeet, and fly fishing in the mountain streams near his home, although the biggest fish always seemed to be the one that got away.

Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sheilah Sockwell; his son, Derek Sockwell (Kathy) of Morganton, NC; his daughter, Nicole Davis (Quentin) of Frederick, MD; and four grandchildren, Ryan Davis, Ian Davis (Erica), Ashlin Davis, and Nathan Davis.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Sanderlin.

No services are planned at this time.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.