James Arthur "Ott" Black

WEAVERVILLE – James Arthur “Ott” Black, beloved father, papaw, brother, and friend, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 27, 2026. James was born on April 5, 1949, in Buncombe County where he lived until his passing at 77 years of age. He was a graduate of Erwin High School and retired from Reliance Electric/Rockwell Automation after many years of devoted service.

James’ world revolved around his cherished family and friends. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson “The only way to have a friend is to be one” and Ott had many. His love and friendship were a blessing to all who knew him. His kind, gentle spirit was displayed in the welcoming smile he gave to all and the waves from the front porch at the end of every visit. Ott had a generous nature, always willing to help anyone in need and asking nothing in return. He loved his time in the garage working on his latest project and road trips with special friends to find the last part to complete his work. No one felt his love more deeply than his daughter, Angie Taylor and son-in-law, Patrick Taylor and his grandchildren, Brittany Smitherman (Jacob) and Christian Taylor (Stephanie Braganca). He would often remind them all of how proud he was of each of them and how much they were loved. He gave his unwavering love, support and dedication to them all. James was a person filled with gratitude. He loved his brothers and sisters as well as his family on Anderson Road. He often spoke of the many acts of kindness provided to him through the years, especially after his health began to fail.

James was a devoted brother. He is survived by his sisters, Nina Buckner and Darlene Harding. Their love and care and cherished times together will forever be remembered. In addition to his immediate family, Ott leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends, especially his girlfriend, Lila Carr, whose love and friendship he treasured deeply.

James was preceded in death by his father, Hardy Nathan Black and his mother, Geneva Pauline Owens Black; his beloved son, James “Jamey” Black, II; his sisters, Bertha Fletcher and Martha Hoyle; and brothers, Harold, Jay and Junior Black.

From the family: To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We are so grateful for our Savior’s promise to all who follow him. We were blessed with a father/grandfather who taught us reverence for the Lord, the value of hard work and unwavering love throughout his life. We thank each of you who held Dad close in your heart and join with us in honoring his life.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church, 90 Blackberry Inn Road in Weaverville. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory.

The family will greet friends from 1:15 – 2:15 pm on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to care for the family of Mr. Black.