James "Jimmy" William Hollingsworth, 82, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026 at his home in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  Jimmy was born on November 19, 1943 in Gordo, Alabama, to William Bryant and Grace Mildred Hollingsworth. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Koon Hollingsworth, and his sister Janice Mullins. He is survived by his daughters Kim Hollingsworth Byrd (Tony) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Kathy Hedrick (David), of Advance North Carolina; his grandchildren, Victoria Prescott, Chance Hollingsworth, Dakota Ruiz, Holyn Hedrick, William "Will" Hedrick, and Anna Hedrick. In addition, he leaves behind his great grandchildren, Madison Outlaw, A'myian Hollingsworth, Alexandria Hollingsworth, and Micah Hollingsworth.
Jimmy was well known for his love of family, his years teaching Psychology and Economics, his pride in serving as a high school basketball coach developing young men, and his devotion to Alabama Football. "Mr. H" as he was known by many former students and friends will be remembered for his dedication to supporting young people in their paths to finding stronger paths.
Jimmy grew up in Gordo, Alabama, along with his wife Jean. Jean fondly remembered Jimmy as that 'cute little boy in the third grade' and they were married for 51 years at the time of Jean's passing in 2016. Jimmy enjoyed his many years as a Social Studies teacher at Rutherford High School in Panama City, Florida, where he also served as the Head Coach for the Junior Varsity Boys' Basketball Team, and Assistant Coach for the Varsity Boys team. He loved to tell stories of his time coaching and reminiscing about the 1990-91 season where the team filled the bus with singing of 'All the way…all the way to State'.
In 2018, he moved with Kim and Tony Byrd, to Winston-Salem, North Carolina to be near Kathy and her family following the destruction of their home in Panama City, Florida caused by Hurricane Michael. For the remainder of his years he lived with Kim and Tony Byrd, enjoyed talking about the good old days with his friends and family, and enjoyed watching his favorite old shows.
Visitation will be held at Skelton Funeral Home, Reform, Alabama on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 10:00 am, with funeral service to follow at 11:00 am with Chaplain Jake Richardson officiating. Burial will be in Gordo City Cemetery with Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, a cause dear to Jimmy, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.