Obituary: James “Jimmie” Leo Hinton, Jr.

On Thursday, December 10, James Leo (Jimmie) Hinton, Jr. succumbed to the covid-19 virus, surrounded by loving family and the compassionate CCU staff of Nash UNC Health Care. Although the virus ravaged his physical body in two short weeks, it could not touch his spirit or the legacy he leaves behind. A lifelong Christian, Jimmie’s family is confident he is at peace in Heaven with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, among many family and friends who arrived there before him.

Jimmie was born June 20, 1949 to parents Ruby Mae Vick Hinton and James Leo (J. L.) Hinton of Nashville, North Carolina. At an early age, Jimmie was known for his fun-loving personality – driving his go-cart to school and tagging along with the older neighborhood kids. He earned nicknames of “Fish” and “Worm”. After graduating from Northern Nash High School, Jimmie attended Campbell College, where he was a member of the golf team. A lifelong lover of sports, Jimmie enjoyed playing baseball and basketball in his youth, water skiing, hunting, sporting clays, but especially golf and billiards. He continued playing pool up until his death and was widely respected for his knowledge of the game and his ability to still play at a very high level in spite of his age. Jimmie’s enthusiasm for sports included supporting N.C. State Wolfpack athletics continuously since 1976.

On May 30, 1976, Jimmie was married to the love of his life, Sarah Helen Moore of Red Oak, NC and together they began a wonderful union of over 44 years filled with joy and happiness. More than anything, Jimmie enjoyed spending time with his family. He cherished every moment spent with his wife, his three children and grandchildren and was so proud of them all.

Jimmie was very active in the Nashville community as an adult, serving in many organizations, including as Deacon and choir member at Nashville Baptist Church, past President of the Nashville Jaycees, long-time Chair of the Southern Bank Board of Advisors, past Chairman of the Board of Directors at Birchwood Country Club, and coach for Town of Nashville youth baseball, often for teams sponsored by his business, Nashville Building Supply. Jimmie was an easy-going, friendly guy who made friends in all of his circles and was well-liked and respected by everyone. He liked to have good clean fun and provided that influence everywhere he went. He was a Christian whose faith grew stronger and more evident as he went through life. He was widely known and respected as a good man, a family man, and a man who walked closely with God.

After college Jimmie followed his dad’s career into the building supply business, first working for Carolina Builders in Raleigh in the early 70’s, then a few years at Westwood Lumber Co in Rocky Mount before partnering with Jerry Creekmore and Carl Creekmore to purchase Nashville Building Supply in January of 1977. The business originally opened in 1908 and is one of the oldest operating businesses in Nash County. Jimmie’s dad, J. L. Hinton, was President and owner there for 43 years. Upon his death, Jimmie had been President and owner for almost 44 years. The impact of this business, as a supplier of quality building materials has been felt all over Nash County and surrounding areas for decades. Jimmie enjoyed helping people with new construction and remodeling and found it very satisfying to assist customers with major decisions about their most important lifetime investment – their home. He was highly respected and well-known for his knowledge and trusted advice in the building industry.

Jimmie is survived by his wife Sarah Helen Moore Hinton, and their three children and families: Chad Hinton (wife, Alicia Mitchell Hinton, and children James, Claire, Anna, and baby boy expected in March 2021, of Tarboro, NC), Blake Hinton (wife, Mary Leggett, and her children Elainie and Scheyer of Hobgood, NC), and Caroline Hinton Bishop (husband, Stephen Bishop of Rocky Mount). He is also survived by his brother-in-law Ed Crute and nephew Edwin Crute (wife, Brandy, and children) of Beulaville, NC; his brother-in-law Steve Moore and wife Carlene of Fredericksburg, VA. Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents, James Leo (J.L.) Hinton and Ruby Mae Vick Hinton, of Nashville, and his sister Jackie Marie Hinton Crute, of Beulaville, NC.

Due to the increasing spread of covid-19, no service is planned for the public at this time; however, a Celebration of Life Service hopefully can take place in 2021.
If you wish to honor Jimmie’s life and memory, please consider making a gift in memory of James L. Hinton, Jr. to either:

1) Nashville Baptist Church, 512 E. Washington St., Nashville, NC 27856 (252-459-3403)

2) Campbell University. To give by check, please make payable to Campbell University in memory of James L. Hinton, Jr. on the memo line. Campbell University, PO Box 125, Buies Creek, NC 27506. To give by phone, call 910-814-4923.

To give online, visit https://campaign.campbell.edu/give. On the secure form, in the “Please Give my Gift to: dropdown”, select “Other.” In the “If you selected “Other”, please type in your designation text box, type: In memory of James L. Hinton, Jr.

Source: Cornerstone Funeral Homes & Cremations