James David Stroupe

James David “Jim” Stroupe, 86, of Asheville, NC, passed away Friday, November 5, 2010 at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

He was born on November 12, 1923 in Cherryville, NC to the late Alfred Isaiah Stroupe and Beulah Dellinger Stroupe. Jim graduated from Cherryville High School. He longed to see the world so he joined the Merchant Marines followed by the US Marines during WWII, and then the US Army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. While stationed in Germany he met his beloved wife, Gisela Dumeke and they remained married until her death in 2006. They had one cherished daughter, Melanie Stroupe of Phoenix Arizona, who survives. He retired from the military after 32 years to Puyallup, Washington before moving to Asheville in 2000. Jim is survived by his spouse, Francie Lanius, daughter, Melanie, special brother Charles Shirley (Marilyn) of Millersville, PA., and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews whom he adored; special friends Patricia Keeter and family. He also leaves behind his spoiled pet companions, Bootsie, Miss Yow, and Fred Astaire.

In addition to his parents Jim was preceded in death his wife Gisela Duemke Stroupe; by sisters; Lillian Watts, Della Short, Irene Lineberry, Iva Rhyne, Mildred Winfield, Helen Graves and Velda Wetherill and brothers; brothers, Jack Stroupe, and Richard Stroupe.

A Memorial Service will be held at Stamey-Cherryville Funeral Home, Cherryville, NC, on Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 1:00 PM. Graveside services with military honors at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery will follow. Jim's favorite charities were The Alzheimer's Association, the Humane Society and Veteran’s charities. The family is grateful to his caregivers at Mission Hospital, Care Partners Rehabilitation Hospital and the all the wonderful residents who made his life in Asheville such a joy.

Jim wrote in 2006 "I have lived a wonderful and full life. I had wonderful parents, traveled and lived in many countries, fought in three wars, had a wonderful marriage and am ending up my time with a beautiful lady, both inside and out. I have no complaints."

We all love you Uncle Jim from the bottom of our hearts and will miss you dearly.
Mike Stroupe