James R. Switzer

James R. Switzer, 83, of Hendersonville died Thursday, February 23, 2012 at Life Care Center following a brief illness. Born in Corning, NY he was a son of the late Merton and Sarah Switzer. He had been a resident of Hendersonville for 12 years.

A graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy, he spent 30 years in the US Navy where he had numerous duty assignments, retiring in 1980. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and was stationed for many years in California. He worked for a time at the Pentagon, was with the Diplomatic Corps in Santiago, Chile as the Naval AttachÈ/Defense AttachÈ, and in Charleston, SC with the Naval Investigative Service. He served on numerous ships and three destroyers, including commanding the minesweeper the USS Fortify and the USS Porterfield.

A lifetime member of the Elks Club, he enjoyed flying model airplanes, shooting trap, and was a licensed Ham radio operator. He was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Mabel H. Switzer; two daughters, Janice L. VanDeventer and husband Rev. Jonathan VanDeventer of Charleston, SC and Ann M. Blankenship of Parkersburg, West Virginia; two granddaughters, Nicole Blankenship and Nita Blankenship; three great-grandchildren; and one brother David M. Switzer and wife Judith of Rochester, NY.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30pm Wednesday in the Kirby Memorial Chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 1:30pm-2:30pm prior to the service at the funeral home.