James Richard Hilburn, age 85 of Wilmington, passed away Thursday June 7, 2018 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and LIfeCareCenter.
He was born in Columbus County, NC on August 12, 1932 to James Hilburn and Zula White Hilburn.
James was a member of Pine Valley Baptist Church and was a retired electrician and commercial fisherman.
James is survived by the love of his life Joan Hilburn; and four daughters, Kaye Czerw (Paul), Teri Woodard (Wayne), Patty Harrell-Hilburn (Emily) and Becky Coley (Van). Also surviving is eight grandchildren, James Oxendine, Rick Sloan, Michael Oxendine, Sarah Sloan, Jill Clark, Alex Clark, Natalie Haas-Hilburn and Wyatt Coley; and three great grandchildren, Evie, Airlie, and Emily. He also is survived by his sister, Hilda Dew of Supply, NC. There are many others that loved him very much including Tom and Betty Futch and Jean Harrison. We also thank his dear friends that visited him and prayed for him during his life, Jerry Stephens, Howard Whitman, and Derwin Hinson.
James was called “Red” or “Captain Red” by those who were closest to him. He was the king of one-liners, and could sneak a surprise funny line into any situation. He was an avid fisherman and loved the ocean, lakes, and streams of our area. He loved music, especially blue grass, and he sang and played the guitar and mandolin, and participated in a weekly Blue Grass “Pickin” every Thursday night at Kure Beach Baptist Church through the summer months.
A memorial service will be held 2 pm Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Pine Valley Baptist Church. The family will see friends an hour prior to the service.
His urn will be placed in Greenlawn Memorial Park immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Derwin Hinson Ministries, PO Box 767 Kure Beach, NC 28449.
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Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099
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