Jimmy Dalton Godwin, Sr.

Jimmy was born in Olive Branch, NC to Walter Wilson Godwin and Virginia Wells Bailey Godwin, both deceased. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Roy Godwin. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Diane Griffin Godwin, his daughters, Kim Godwin Leazer (Mark), Donna Godwin Jordan (Buddy), son, Jimmy D (Jay) Godwin, Jr. (Christy), grandchildren Elizabeth Leazer Freeman (Alan), Trey Jordan (Olivia), Emily Leazer Maurer (David), Rachel Jordan Pasley (Alex), Lauren Jordan Bower (Carl), Grace Godwin and Dalton Godwin and nine great grandchildren.

Jimmy grew up in Union County and graduated from Marshville High School in 1955. Jimmy played basketball competitively in high school and enjoyed many friendships, which continued throughout his adult life. He also attended Kings College, where he graduated with an Associates Degree in Accounting. During his time at Kings College he worked for an office supply company which proved to be a pivotal point for his future.

Jimmy met Diane in 1957 and upon a mutual love and faith in Jesus Christ were joined in marriage in 1960 that flourished for 62 years. Jimmy continued selling office supplies and, shortly before the birth of their first child in 1962, started his own office supply company, Forms & Supply, Inc. (FSI Office). With his marriage to Diane and the start of this company the two things Jimmy had asked God for after accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 17 were realized – one, a wife of like faith and, two, a good job.

FSI Office has grown into one of the largest independent office products dealers in the US. Jimmy received numerous awards over the years for his business accomplishments, including the industry’s Lifetime Achievement Award from The Business Solutions Association. However, these paled in comparison to the joy and delight he found in serving his Savior. This started at home with his marriage and continued as he prayed for his children to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord even before they were born. This same prayer continued with each generation of grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also prayed for many to know Christ at FSI Office, in the marketplace, and all around the world. Even Jimmy’s last days were spent in the Seed Sower Program he felt lead by God to establish to share verses of scripture with as many people as possible. His true desire was for all people to be saved by Jesus from their sin, and he would often remind his family to “Share the Good News!”

To those of us who are saved and remember Jimmy, whether a family member, church family, someone he poured time into, was taught by him in Sunday School, coached by him, worked with him at FSI, or interacted with him, either personally or professionally, he would want us to continue sowing the seeds of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

For those who have not established a relationship with Jesus Christ, Jimmy would encourage you to read the book of John, especially John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life”, and entrust your life to Jesus Christ – the only one who can save your soul.

On Friday, March 31, 2023 at 6:35pm, Jimmy was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior and we believe he heard these words from Jesus – “Well done my good and faithful servant” Matthew 25:21.

There will be a celebration of life service on Saturday April 15, 2023 at 1:00pm at Idlewild Baptist Church in Matthews/Mint Hill, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Idlewild Baptist Church “Outreach Ministry” and sent to 12701 Idlewild Rd. Matthews, NC 28105, or The City of Hope https://www.cityofhope.org/giving

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com for the Godwin family.