James Richard Diehl | Eastern NC Now

    James Richard Diehl, 75 of Washington, NC passed away on Monday January 17, 2022.

    He was born on January 14, 1947,in Butler, Pennsylvania to the late Philip John Diehl and Mary Martha Johns Diehl.

    Jim grew up in Baltimore, Ohio where he played football and played in the band after an injury. He then transferred his senior year and was in the class of 1965 at Lancaster High School, Lancaster, Ohio.

    Jim joined the US Navy Nov 2, 1965 and served his county for 6 1/2 years.

    Jim owned an Import store called "The Tree House" in Lancaster, played a part as a confederate soldier in the reenactment of the Civil War, and hand sewed his authentic costume himself, including his buttons.

    He loved the outdoors and his animals, played his guitar, was a comedian, sang with his friends and was barefoot most of the time! Jim was an artist, a sculpture, businessman, inventor, a poet and the biggest Patriot I ever known; just to name a few of his talents. He loved the beauty of things and auto racing! His nickname, Smokey

    A true Free Spirit!

    Jim lived in Belize for 14 years, made many friends around the world, and was still in contact with many of them. Please read the article below in the link provided.

    He returned to the states in 2008 as he was with the organization "Gathering of Eagles". Jim went to Washington DC in 2007 & 2008 to protect the Viet Nam Wall from destruction at large protests there! He was also a member of the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association. Most of all he loved his country, his fellow man, and the Constitution. He was my sweet hero and will be sadly missed in this world by many friends and loved ones. His spirit is souring like and Eagle!

    Jim is survived by his life partner and loving wife Shirley (Boerstler) of Washington, NC, children; Philip of California and Anna (Andy) Hersh of Pennsylvania, stepchildren John J. and Tom; grandchildren, Abigail, Sophia & Liv Diehl of California and Aaron, Jackson, and Jana Hersh of Pennsylvania, and Clovia Asken, brother; Jack (Betty) Diehl, sisters; Betty, Barbara and Jean, along with any nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim had his beloved rescued fur babies; Princess, Buttons, Snappi, Squeak, Mama Socs, Itsy and Monkey!

    Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Story Ann Asken.

    A celebration of life for Jim will be held at a later date in Baltimore, Ohio; Old Basil Cemetery with Military honors! An Announcement will be made at that time!

    Caring cremation is taking place.