James passed away in his sleep at home. In keeping with his strict instructions, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

James was born in Philadelphia, and grew up in a large, Catholic family. He was educated at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, and Villanova University. He worked as a copywriter, and creative director in advertising. He moved to Belhaven upon his retirement.

James married Katherine Jolley when they were both eighteen, and they were together for fifty nine years until her passing in 2011. The senior ladies of Belhaven, in instinctive recognition of James’s most important role, always referred to him as “Katherine’s honey.”

James and Katherine raised four children, instilling in them a thirst for knowledge and a keen work ethic.  Kathy is a counselor, Alice Anne and Ginny are attorneys, and Chris is an archaeologist. James and Katherine took pride in their six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all of whom cherish their memory. James is also survived by his lifelong friend Peter Tulli, with whom he first bonded while sneaking smokes in the back halls of St. Joe’s Prep.

As an adult, James rejected Catholicism, and embraced an open-hearted agnosticism, stating that it simply was not possible to know what lay beyond death. If he has found his Katherine on the other side, that will be heaven enough for him.

Paul Funeral Home of Belhaven is honored to serve the Espenshade family.