University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Community Mourns the Loss of Longtime Supporter James Brazell
05.01.2026 | General
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – The UNC Asheville Athletic Department is mourning the loss of longtime Bulldog supporter James Brazell who passed away at 99 ½ years old on April 27.
Jim loved attending University of North Carolina Asheville's men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and baseball games and his Bulldog enthusiasm was honored with the Biggest Community Fan award 2012 – 2013 from the Athletic Department. He supported the university overall, serving on the Board of Directors of the Bulldog Athletic Association and the Board of Trustees for the UNC Asheville Foundation, endowing a scholarship in his late wife Peggy's honor for North Carolina women.
"Jim Brazell was the definition of a true Bulldog," said Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. "His passion for UNC Asheville, his unwavering support of our student-athletes, and his generosity to our university made a lasting impact on our athletics department and campus community. He was a familiar and beloved presence at so many of our events, and his legacy will continue to be felt for generations. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew and loved him."
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, June 24th, at 10:00 am in the Norma F. Pulliam Chapel (Asbury Hall), Givens Estates, 2360 Sweeten Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28803, phone (828) 274-4800. Friends and family are invited to share remembrances at https://rayfuneralcremation.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory can be made to RiverLink, https://riverlink.org/donate/ or University of North Carolina Asheville Athletics Enhancement Fund, Attn: Director of Advancement Services, CPO # 3800, One University Heights, Asheville, N.C. 28804.
