James Richard Hix

Year Inducted: 2022

James Richard Hix was born October 7, 1878 in Moravian Falls, North Carolina. He attended high school at the old Moravian Falls Academy. As a youth, his first association was with R. A. Spainhour Store, then located in Moravian Falls. His later employment came with Absher Hardware Company in North Wilkesboro. He was the bookkeeper for F.D. Forester and Company. In 1901 he worked for R.C. Vaughn Wholesale Company in Winston-Salem. Upon his return to North Wilkesboro, Mr. Hix was employed for some time at C.C. Smoot and Sons Tannery.

James Richard Hix and Jessie Marvin Ferguson were married on June 29, 1904 at her home in Ferguson. Three children were born to them: James Richard Hix, Jr., Virginia Hix Brame, and Mary Hix Marlow.

Mr. Hix’s first experience in business for himself was in the Vaughn Hemphill Wholesale Company where he remained for twenty-three years. In 1923, he was elected President of the Bank of North Wilkesboro serving in that capacity until 1960 when he became Chairman of the Board of Directors. He served as Chairman until his death in 1966.

Mr. Hix’s other business interests included the Turner-White Casket Company which operated for several decades in North Wilkesboro, and Grier Mills, North Wilkesboro and Gordon Spinning Company, Roaring River serving as Secretary of both. He was an organizer of Hotel Wilkes, serving on its Board of Directors as well. In 1927 he was one of the organizers of American Furniture Company, later known as American Drew, serving as Secretary until his death.

Mr. Hix was one of the founders of Wilkes Hospital and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Wilkes General Hospital from its inception until his death. In September of 1971, the Wilkes Hospital Auxiliary presented a portrait of James Richard Hix, first Chairman of the Board of Trustees, to the hospital where it hangs today. He served as Mayor of North Wilkesboro as well as a member of its Town Board and School Board. He was a member of North Wilkesboro Kiwanis Club for 43 years and also served as President. Mr. Hix served as a Trustee of Appalachian State Teachers College, now Appalachian State University. From 1917-1918 during World War I, Mr. Hix served as the local Food Administrator under President Woodrow Wilson. He also served on the local Draft Board during World War II under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Mr. Hix served his church, First (now United) Methodist, North Wilkesboro, as Sunday School Superintendent, Steward, Trustee and Finance Chairman for many years. Being a pioneer golfer in Wilkes, Mr. Hix served on the organizing Board for Oakwoods Country Club in 1954. He played golf with exceptional skill most of his adult life. During the organizing and early years of its operation, Mr. Hix served as a Director of the Wilkes YMCA.

The Board of Directors of the North Wilkesboro unit of North Carolina National Bank adopted the following Resolution in memory of James Richard Hix following his death:

“Mr. Hix, as he was known throughout his long career, was one of the farmers, designers and builders of the Town of North Wilkesboro and the Wilkes County community. He devoted a very keen mind, a very energetic body, and a charming personality toward the welfare of his town and community. He occupied more positions of trust in his town and community than any other individual in the history of the town. All his activities were directed toward the welfare of his fellow man.”

The Journal-Patriot included the following in its Editorial column dated May 23, 1966:

“J.R. Hix was one of the men who helped shape the destiny of North Wilkesboro and whose achievements beneficially affected all Wilkes County and northwest North Carolina.

J.R. Hix was a man of integrity, he lived by Christian principles in business, civic, church and social life. He radiated cheer and was truly an example of a long and useful life which succeeding generations can try to emulate.”