James "Jimmy" William Hollingsworth

James "Jimmy" William Hollingsworth, 82, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on March 11, 2026. Born on November 19, 1943, in Gordo, Alabama, to William Bryant and Grace Mildred Hollingsworth, Jimmy grew up in the same hometown as his beloved wife, Jean Koon Hollingsworth, whom he married after she remembered him fondly as that “cute little boy in the third grade.” They shared 51 years together until her passing in 2016. He was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Mullins.

Jimmy spent many fulfilling years as a Social Studies teacher at Rutherford High School in Panama City, Florida, where he taught Psychology and Economics. He was deeply proud of his coaching career, serving as head coach of the junior varsity boys’ basketball team and assistant coach for the varsity team. Known affectionately as “Mr. H” to generations of students and friends, he dedicated himself to guiding young people toward stronger paths in life. He cherished memories of his teams, especially the 1990-91 season when the players sang “All the way…all the way to State” on the bus. A devoted Alabama Football fan, Jimmy found joy in family, storytelling, and reminiscing about the good old days.

In 2018, following the destruction of his home by Hurricane Michael, Jimmy moved to Winston-Salem to live with his daughter Kim Hollingsworth Byrd and her husband Tony. He remained close to his other daughter, Kathy Hedrick, and her husband David, in nearby Advance, North Carolina. He is survived by his daughters, Kim Hollingsworth Byrd (Tony) of Winston-Salem and Kathy Hedrick (David) of Advance; grandchildren Victoria Prescott, Chance Hollingsworth, Dakota Ruiz, Holyn Hedrick, William “Will” Hedrick, and Anna Hedrick; and great-grandchildren Madison Outlaw, A’myian Hollingsworth, Alexandria Hollingsworth, and Micah Hollingsworth.