James Fay Wescott

Born in Orfordville, Wisconsin, he was the youngest child of the late Charles and Barbra Root Wescott. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years Barbara Joan Strawn Wescott, his parents, and his sisters Alice Dallman and Charlene Raine Harris. He is survived by his children Carl Wescott, Laura (John) Venezia, and Janet (Ryan) Baucom; his grandchildren Ryan Venezia, Emily Venezia, Peter Baucom, and Evan Baucom; and Carlotta Newinski, his first wife and mother of Carl and Laura.

Jim grew up in Beloit, Wisconsin, graduated from Beloit Memorial High School with honors, and attended Beloit College on a Morse Foundation scholarship. He played the cornet in the band, which was an important part of his school years. After he graduated college, he served six months as a reservist in the U.S. Army. He trained as a revenue officer with the Internal Revenue Service and moved to the National Office in Washington, D.C., where he pioneered the IRS data processing operation. He retired from the IRS in 1995 after 36 years.

He married Barbara Strawn in 1972, and they made their home in Springfield, Virginia, where they raised their family. For 38 years, they owned 110 acres of mountain property in West Virginia where Jim enjoyed hunting with friends, and the family enjoyed camping. In 2010, they moved to Morrisville, North Carolina, to be closer to their daughter Janet’s family, and Jim enjoyed almost twelve years at Preston Pointe Senior Living Community.

Jim had a big smile and an even bigger heart. He was quick with a joke or a gentle tease to make you laugh. He loved listening to big band and brass music, hunting on his land in West Virginia, working on family genealogy, and watching old movies. Above all, he enjoyed time with family and friends, especially his kids and grandkids. He will be greatly missed.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 St. Mary's Street, Raleigh.

His family extends their thanks to the folks at 3HC (hospice) and Brighton Gardens of Raleigh for the loving care that they provided Jim in his final days.

A celebration of life for both Jim and Barbara Wescott will be held at Highland United Methodist Church (1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh NC) on Saturday, November 5, at 10 AM.

Memorial donations can be made through Highland UMC.