Jimmy "Jim" Dolphus Huffman

Jimmy (Jim) Dolphus Huffman, age 86, of 217 River Ridge Road, Eden, NC passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Hospice of Rockingham County's Gibson House.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm Saturday, April 22, 2023 at First Wesleyan Church in Eden with entombment to follow at Roselawn Mausoleum. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1-2pm, at First Wesleyan Church, 607 Church Street.

Jim was born October 19, 1936 in Marion, NC to the late Edward Posey and Margaret Elizabeth Huffman.  He is a veteran of the armed forces, serving in the United States Army. He was a graduate of Brevard College and East Tennessee State University where he played basketball and baseball, respectively. Upon graduation he moved to Eden where he began his career at Fieldcrest Mills, retiring as Director of Purchasing. In his retirement years, Jim was a proud co-owner of Huffman Medical, Inc. with his son, Kevin.

Jim was a people person who loved his community and pledged his service to others. He committed his time and talents to organizations such as the Y’s Men Club; Help, Inc.; Caregivers of Rockingham County; and The Salvation Army often serving in various officers’ roles. For his many community deeds, he was recognized with the Citizen of the Year Award sponsored by Eden Chamber of Commerce, given commendation from the North Carolina General Assembly for his dedication to the American Red Cross, and awarded the North Carolina Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service from Governor Jim Martin.  Jim was an avid blood donor, donating over 53 gallons in his lifetime - the most donated by any individual in Rockingham County at the time.

Jim loved sports and his passion for the game of tennis led him to the game of pickleball in his later years. His obsession for the game earned him the nickname “Pickleball Guy,” and at 86 he could compete with players half his age. Whether you won or lost, you always received a Butterfinger from the “Candyman” as he was affectionately known to many. But the name he held most dear was that of Papa to his four grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and siblings, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Jean Tucker Huffman. Surviving are his son Kevin Huffman and wife Carla; daughter, Allison Ormond and husband Macon all of Eden; grandchildren, Katie Ormond, Tori Pierce and husband Devin, Jacob Ormond and wife Haley, and Kylie Huffman; nieces Rexanna Lowman and Susan Royall; and his special fur-baby, Lizzie.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in his name to First Wesleyan Church, 607 Church St, Eden, NC 27288.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.