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.
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I am so sad to hear of Jim's passing. I met Jim at a Toe Cane Beekeeper's meeting many years ago and we became friends. Such a nice fellow! When he was still active in the bees, he would periodically call me, out of the blue, to talk bee-shop. I miss those talks. But I promise I will Tell the Bees of your transition. Fly high, my friend.
I first met Jim when I moved to Little Switzerland in the summer of 1974 and began my first "real" job at Mayland Technical Institute. I frequently would stop by his shop at Gillespie Gap and watch him throw and turn pots. He once gave me a small cereal bowl which I still use today. I bought a few other pieces from him before I left Mitchell County in 1976. Jim, Bea Hensley and the Francis family formed a team of talent and kindness in those little shop adjacent to the Parkway. Jim especially made me feel welcomed every time I dropped in. Please accept my sincere thoughts on his passing. Bill Wilson Boone, NC
James will be missed. In my heart it saddens me to know that he has passed. We met at Dailysis, we became friends, I loved to hear him talk about his life. He was a very thoughtful person. He and his wife brought all the women gloves and hats because in Dailysis you get very cold. I greatly appreciate what they did. My heart and prayers to the James and his family..