James Anderson "Jimmy" Dobyns

James Anderson “Jimmy” Dobyns, Jr. died November 19, 2014 in Reidsville, NC at the age of 89. He was born July 23, 1925 in Northumberland County, VA, and was the only child of James Anderson Dobyns, also of Northumberland County, and Mary ¬¬¬¬Sage Clark of Gloucester County, New Jersey. The family lived in Walnut Point on the banks of the Coan River, near the mouth of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. He attended public school in Heathsville, VA, and entered the College of William and Mary in 1942. He served in the army during World War II in the infantry and military police. After the war, he returned to the College of William and Mary, where he met his future wife, Honesta Autry Willis of Jacksonville, FL. He completed his degree in chemistry, and Honesta completed hers in history, in 1948. He used the $100 of “mustering out money” he received from the army to buy her an engagement ring, and they were married in Jacksonville, FL on July 16, 1949. They lived in Richmond, VA, where he worked as a chemist for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and the C.F. Sauer Company. He also attended the University of Richmond for graduate studies. Their son, James Anderson “Bo” Dobyns, III was born in 1953, and daughter Janis Willis Dobyns was born in 1959. The family moved to Greensboro, NC in 1960, where Jimmy continued his career as a flavor chemist working for Mother Murphy Laboratories for 33 years. He retired as a vice-president of the company in 1993. During their time in Greensboro, they were members of West Market Street United Methodist Church. After retirement, Jimmy and Honesta moved to Rockingham County, where they were members of Wentworth United Methodist Church. Although his professional career was in chemistry and food science, Jimmy was also an adept craftsman. In the 1960’s, he and his wife Honesta built a log cabin in the North Carolina mountains. The hand-cut logs, stone floor and fireplace still stand today and serve as a peaceful retreat and monument to Jimmy’s careful work. When Jimmy and Honesta moved to Rockingham County after retirement, they purchased a historic home in Rockingham County and tackled its restoration with the help of their son Bo. This project showcased Honesta’s history background and Jimmy’s practical skills, and is an example of the success of their 65 year partnership. He is survived by his wife Honesta, son Bo Dobyns, daughter-in-law Elizabeth “Bibba” Dobyns, daughter Janis Dobyns McHargue, and son-in-law Brad McHargue. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that remembrances be made to Wentworth United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. Plans for a memorial service are yet to be determined. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com