James Earl Bumgarner peacefully completed his earthly journey at his home with his family at his side on March 6, 2016. Earl was a native of Haywood County, born February 19, 1930 to William Stokes and Nancy Roena Singleton Bumgarner. He was a proud Veteran of the U.S Navy, having served from 1947 to 1951. He was married on May 17, 1953 to his bride, Rosa Lee Foster. During their almost 63 years of marriage they cherished their many memories shared with family and friends. Earl enjoyed sharing stories from work and of his many friends at Olin/Ecusta where he was employed for over forty years. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church, where Earl served as a Sunday School teacher and Deacon and loved singing in the choir for many years. He was a Little League Baseball coach and involved in the youth football program in the late 70's while his sons were playing, however he continued to follow and support these programs along with the Brevard Blue Devils through the years as his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated. Earl was predeceased by his sons Stephen Earl and David Earl Bumgarner and his brother Hugh Bumgarner. Surviving are his loving wife Rosa Lee, and their daughters Sherri Frisbee (Randy), Beth Essenberg (Dan), son Mark Bumgarner, and seven grandchildren: Chase Frisbee, Lauren Frisbee Leistner (Jason), Ashley Essenberg Cison (Chad), Casey and Corey Essenberg, David, Nick and Elena Bumgarner and two great grandchildren: Tristin and Analee Cison. Other loving survivors include his sisters Lynn Eargle (W.E.), Eula Williams (the late B.L. Williams), Mary Jo Starnes (Cloyes), his brother Ed Bumgarner (Lorena) and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. A celebration of Earl's life will be held at Temple Baptist Church on Saturday, March 12 at 2:00 p.m. followed by receiving of friends. Military rites will be provided by the U. S. Navy and the Transylvania County Honor Guard. The family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Temple Baptist Church, P.O. Box 126, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 or Four Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.