James “Jim” Charles Stepp, 91, of Horse Shoe passed away peacefully from a broken heart, on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Pardee Hospital with his children by his side.
A native of Henderson County, he was the son of the late Riley and Agnes Dunlap Stepp Jr.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life of 66 years, Joyce Gosnell Stepp on March 11, 2026. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law Reggie Hyatt Jr.
Mr. Stepp graduated from Dana High School in 1952 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman from 1952-1956, receiving an Honorable Discharge. He was an avid golfer, having won many tournaments over the years and was Assistant Golf Pro at Hendersonville Country Club in the 1960’s. He later began a career in management in the transportation freight system with Youngblood Truck Lines, ABF Freight System and retiring from TSL Freight System. After retirement he worked at Bryan Easler Ford and Ken Feagan Truck and Trailer. His favorite “post retirement job” was that of being “Papa” to his precious grandbabies.
Surviving are his children, Debbie Hyatt Tucker (Tim) and Eddie Stepp both of Etowah and Lee Stepp (Paula) of Fletcher. He also leaves behind the lights of his life, his grandchildren, Kimberly Chitwood (Adam), Trey Hyatt (Kim) and Tiffany Blackwell (Josh). Great grandchildren, Katherine Chitwood, William Chitwood, Andrew Chitwood, Kaiden Hyatt, Lexi McMillan (Justin) and Sydney Garvin (Kyle). Two great-great grandchildren, Archer McMillan and Amelia Garvin. One sister, Patricia S. Wilde of Hendersonville, sister- in -law, Deane Valentine of Hickory and several nieces and nephews.
The family invites relatives and friends to gather for a joint Celebration of Life for both Joyce and Jim on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at two o’clock in the afternoon at the Chapel in the Pines of Jackson Funeral Service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.
Condolences may be sent to the Stepp family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.