James “Pops” Gosnell, 90, of Etowah, NC went to his heavenly home on May 27, 2026, after a brave battle with cancer.

James Wade Gosnell was born in Transylvania County on May 11, 1936 to the late Vernon and Azilee Merrill Gosnell. He grew up in Little River, but made his home in Etowah. He was preceded in death by his brother, Howard Gosnell, and his son, Eddie Gosnell.

James is survived by his loving wife, Jean Wall Gosnell. They were married on May 20, 1967 by Preacher Thomas at Etowah United Methodist Church. Together they enjoyed 59 years as husband and wife, as they raised their family and later enjoyed retirement as just the two of them.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Jim Gosnell (Gay) of Etowah, Debbie Gaddy (Wes) of Kill Devil Hills, NC, Michelle Gosnell of Greer, SC, Karen Breeding (Jay) of Etowah, and Maria Gass (Danny) of Etowah, as well as 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce Gosnell of Etowah, as well as several nieces and nephews.

James was a 1954 graduate of Brevard High School. He was a hard worker, having worked for 34 years at DuPont, as well as operating Etowah Exxon and Gosnell’s Towing Service. He knew the value of hard work and took great pride in his work.

He enjoyed building engines and working on cars, dirt track racing - both driving and spectating, occasional trips to Cherokee to try his luck at the casino, cheering on his beloved Atlanta Braves, watching Fox News, sitting outside and watching the birds, loving on his beloved cat Lucky Duck, and phone calls and visits with his children and grandchildren. He especially looked forward to hearing from a special granddaughter every Sunday.

James was a quiet, simple man who “lived his life so that the preacher wouldn’t have to lie at his funeral,” a saying he was especially fond of. He is missed, but is healed and there is the promise that we will see him again someday. Until then, he will be forever loved and remembered in the memories and stories his family treasures.

A private family graveside service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026. A public memorial service to celebrate James will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home, in Brevard. Flowers are welcome and friends are invited to visit with the family immediately following the memorial service. A special friend who is like family, Kenneth “Muffy” Martin will conduct both services.
Memorial donations may be made to Four Seasons Hospice at fourseasonsfdn.org. A special thanks to Dr. Vashit and Dr. Nieland, as well as the incredible staff at the Elizabeth House who took great care of our Pops and our family during his final days.