James William Ansley, Jr. (Jim)

October 6, 1936 – August 15, 2026

Jim Ansley was born on October 6, 1936, in Thomson, GA to the late James William Ansley, Sr. and Frances DeMedici Ansley. He attended Florida State University where he met his wife of 68 years, Celia Rae Gotshall Ansley. Jim was a Naval Reservist and career IBM employee. In the 1970’s, he accepted a transfer and moved his family from Tallahassee, FL to the Rainbow Lake area in Brevard, Transylvania County.

Transylvania County felt like he was finally home and where he was meant to be. He loved fishing the native waters in the area, gem mining, and camping. Jim traveled many miles over western North Carolina servicing IBM machines and meeting lots of people. He and Celia enjoyed travel and volunteering at their church, Brevard Davidson River Presbyterian Church.

Jim was also preceded in death by his sons, James William Ansley, III (Bill) and Eric Charles Ansley.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Ansley is survived by his grandchildren, Adam Ansley, wife, Dian and son Anton; Jonathan Ansley, wife, Jennifer, and children, Ella, Eli, Eva; Claire Bowen, husband, Jason and children, River, Rory, Rainey; and Lori Farmer, husband, Brandon and children, Jake, Stella, and Gray. Jim is survived by his sisters, Grace Ansley of Cuthbert, GA and Susan Ansley Lindsay (Bill) of Barnesville, GA and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Vickie Ansley and Robyn Malone.

The family would like to thank the excellent staff at College Walk in Brevard for the care that they provided to Jim while he lived there and thank you to Four Seasons Hospice for their caring.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials or donations be made to Four Seasons Hospice.