William Eastman Janes, Captain, USN (Ret.), died on Saturday, March 28, 2015 in Tryon, N.C., surrounded by his wife and six children.

He was born in Oceanside, N.Y. on March 14,1933. His parents were William and Audrey (Tallmadge) Janes.

Bill received a bachelor of science degree from New York State Maritime College at Fort Schuyler in 1955 and was commissioned in the United States Navy that same year. After navy flight school, he served in several fighter squadrons aboard the carriers USS Intrepid and USS Randolph. In 1969-1970, he served in Vietnam as commanding officer of the Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay, and received the Bronze Star. He attended the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., and later served as executive officer of the USS Lloyd Thomas and commanding officer of USS Nantahala and USS Damato.

A lifelong environmental advocate, Bill was a founding partner of BackHome Magazine and served on the first board of the Pacolet Area Conservancy.

Bill is survived by his wife, Judith, his children Matthew (Kellie); Elizabeth (Roger Yates), Katharine (Paul Petrarca); Peter (Stacy Pierce); Judith (Tom Shaw); and Nancy (Kevin Bradley); seven grandchildren, Andrew and Alton Janes; Samantha and Peter Woods; Zoe Anderson; Lily Quinn; and Will Yates.

Bill’s family wishes to especially thank dear friends Debbie Denton and Jane Foster of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Interment will be in Newport, R.I. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Southern Poverty Law Center, Montgomery, Ala.