Jimmy Setzer, 78, of Valdese, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
Born on May 29, 1948 in Burke County, NC, Jim was the son of the late Fred Arthur Setzer and Mary Sue McNeely Setzer.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Jim dedicated much of his life to education. He made history as the first student accepted to Western Piedmont Community College, before attending Appalachian State University and Lenoir-Rhyne University. Jim earned his master’s degree in education and taught for more than 25 years at the Enola Learning Center.
Above all, Jim cherished his family. He is survived by his caring wife, Frances Benfield Setzer; daughter, Shanda Setzer Lewis and her husband, Alex; beloved grandchildren, Finn and Lia Lewis; and a brother, Freddie Setzer.
The family will celebrate Jim’s life privately.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Jim had a great sense of humor, and he was a very good math teacher. We taught together at Enola for more than twenty years. During that time many years ago, he always talked lovingly about his family, and he was extremely proud of his daughter. May the Lord Jesus comfort you all during this time of loss and sadness. God Bless, Steve Houser
Shanda, Alex, Finn, and Lia. I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, father-in-law and granddad. Jim sounds like he was a remarkable man. Being the first in any achievement is something to remember and celebrate. Cherish those sweet memories.