James Huston Toms was born in Buncombe County, NC on November 29, 1945 to Marion Frederick Toms, Sr and Joy Wellford Toms. He passed away surrounded by family and friends on Thursday, June 5th, 2026 in Hendersonville NC.
Jim attended Hendersonville High School and Bob Jones Academy as well as Bob Jones University and law school at University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee, transferring to Duke Law School where he graduated with Juris Doctor degree in 1968.
He was married to Susan Beliveau for 58 years. They were married in August 1968 at Pasadena Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, CA.
He was a Lieutenant in the Navy JAG Corps from 1969 to 1974 and was stationed in San Francisco, CA and Charleston SC. Jim and Susan enjoyed visiting both cities the rest of their lives together based on their wonderful memories from early in their marriage. After being discharged from the Navy in 1974, Jim practiced law in Hendersonville NC.
He was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Hendersonville, NC, where he was an active member until his death. He took much joy in planning, cooking and serving dinners and breakfasts at the church for multiple occasions.
Jim was passionate about many community interests including music, the arts, and local history of Henderson County and Western North Carolina. Specifically, he was very involved in the Hendersonville Historical Society and Hendersonville Historic Courthouse. He supported multiple different groups within the community, connecting people together and helping to solve issues.
Jim was a true “Renaissance Man” when it came to his love of the arts, and especially music. For many years, he was involved in raising funds for the Brevard Music Center, as well as for the Hendersonville Symphony and his Alma Mater, Bob Jones University music program. His remarkable gift for bringing people together for a common and worthwhile cause will continue to benefit young musicians for years to come.
He loved animals and especially his cats and enjoyed growing roses and azaleas on his property and sharing the beautiful blooms with his friends. Jim’s generosity of spirit was apparent every day to friends and family.
He is survived by his wife Susan and daughters Desiree of Hendersonville, NC and Megan of Chattanooga, TN and sister-in-law Val Toms along with multiple nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Marion Frederick Toms, Sr and Joy Wellford Toms, brothers Marion Frederick Toms, Jr, Robert Lee Toms, Sr. and sister Nancy Toms Daniel.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1st at 2pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2101 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Covenant Presbyterian Church 2101 Kanuga Road, Hendersonville NC 29739 for the general funds or the music or missions ministries.
Condolences may be sent to the Toms 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.