A native of Clinton, NC, Jim attended UNC Chapel Hill and spent his career working in the hospitality industry.
Jim has been an institution in the field of NC hospitality for the last 40 years. Jim began his career in hospitality management at the legendary Plantation Inn. He developed a reputation for excellence in service and throughout the 80's and 90's became "the fixer" for many of the state’s major properties. When a hotel ran into troubled times, they called in Mr. Hobbs to turn it around, and he did so every time.
In 1997 he retired from hotel operations and sold his share of The Brownstone to become Executive Director of the NC Hotel and Lodging Association. In 2004 he established the Hospitality Alliance of NC. He has tirelessly devoted the last 20 years to protecting the lodging industry at the state and local government levels.
Jim had a huge heart for people and passion for the people who work in the hospitality industry across our state. He dedicated is life to North Carolina tourism industry and developed a legacy of legislation and supporters that will sustain tourism businesses for the future.
Jim will be forever remembered by his many friends, colleagues and family.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy Hobbs; granddaughter, Alaina Hobbs; and brother, Rodney Hobbs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim’s honor to Duke Hospice.
Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary' St., Raleigh, NC.
