James E. Haskett Sr., 89, of Murphy passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 in a Cumming, Georgia care facility. He was a native of New Bern, North Carolina, but lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida before moving to Murphy in 1978. Jim had served in the United States Navy during WWII. Jim was a store manager with Sears, retiring in 1977. He was a member of the Berne Masonic Lodge 724, but attended the Cherokee Masonic Lodge 146. Jim was also a member of the Shepherd of the Mountains Church.

He was the son of the late Mayhugh and Fannie Lillian Holton Haskett and the husband of the late Pearlina Murphy Haskett, who died October 25, 2005.

Surviving are two sons, James Haskett, and Richard T. Haskett and wife, Betty, all of Asheville, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Ricky Haskett Jr., Yvonne Marie Haskett, James E. Haskett III, and Jennifer Elise Haskett;  four great grandchildren, Ricky Haskett III, Bryan Haskett, Skylah Haskett, and Raine Haskett; a dear friend, Martha Gallagher; caregivers, Rick and Missy; and best buddy, P.J.

A graveside service was held at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 24, 2016 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with Rev. Al Beck officiating and masonic graveside rites conducted by the Cherokee Masonic Lodge 146. Pallbearers were Buck Chambers, Royce Hughes, Roy Dickey, Ben Adams, David Sumpter, and Roger Powell.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.