He is survived by children, Bonita Hernandez (Charles), Jay Burkhalter, Tonia Grantham (James), and Jerry Tony Clark (Brenda); grandchildren, Chris Hernandez, Cody Hernandez, Eric Burkhalter, Beth Burkhalter, Travis Grantham, Madeline Grantham, Lindsey Grantham, and Jerry Clark; great-grandchildren, Nathan Burkhalter, Zachary Burkhalter, and Addyson Burkhalter; brother, Gus Harrison, Jr. (Linda); cousin, Pam Betz (Denny); and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, he grew up in Raleigh, in a time when the Beach Boys played on the radio, “Shungalo” was a place to hang out with his brother and buddies, and plaid pants were in style.
He played trumpet in the high school band, went to college at Jones County Junior College, then later played trumpet in a Jazz band at the VFW where he met the love of his life, Dot. Together they raised four children plus a special niece and nephew who he claimed as his own. He took them on camping trips in the mountains trying to avoid bears and steep mountain grades while pulling a pop-up camper.
Jimmy loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly and loved buying them “happies”. Generosity was his gift to everyone. He was affectionately known as Jim, Uncle Jimmy, Big Papaw, and Pop Jim. You never found him without a pocketknife and comb.
Throughout life his favorite hobbies were wood-working, fishing at Eagle Lake with his brother, working in the yard, studying the Bible, and cookouts with his family while making his forever famous “Jim burgers”. He loved his tools and working with his hands. Jim could fix anything.
A dedicated Christian with a true love for the Lord, his favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, but then again, he loved reading the Bible and had many favorite verses. The Bible which will be laid to rest with him was a wedding gift from his late wife, Dot, whom he has joined in their Heavenly home.
Jim will be a bit disappointed that he will not get to vote for his favorite candidate during the upcoming presidential election, but proudly wears his Trump pin on his lapel.
Because his Celebration of Life is a private service for his immediate family only, well-wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell on a can of Michelob Ultra and drink it in his honor.
With his sweet smile, charming demeanor, and firm handshake, Jimmy never met a stranger. He lived big, loved bigger, and we will miss him tremendously.
“A great man is one who leaves others at a loss after he is gone.” –Paul Valery
“Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion- it’s a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.” – Rev. Billy Graham
“Knowing we will be with Christ forever far outweighs our burdens today! Keep your eyes on eternity!” – Rev. Billy Graham
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. –Psalm 30:5
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8: 38-39
