James Hilliard Myers

James Hilliard Myers Sr. (Jimmy), 90, of Raleigh, NC passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Raleigh to John and Narosa Myers on October 1, 1932. He grew up with his six siblings in Garner. Jimmy’s sisters fondly remember him as being truthful, dependable, and tender-hearted. These traits would describe him, not only as a boy, but also as a man.

The backyard of their family farm was the ideal place for growing boys to tinker with old, cheap, fixer-upper automobiles. And this is just where Jimmy cultivated his God-given mechanical mind. He began work as a teenager at TOPS service station in Raleigh. A few years later, in 1955, he landed the job that would be a Monday-Friday mainstay for decades to come. Sanders Motor Company had this to say about him in 1965: “James H. Myers, manager of the quick service department, started with Sanders 10 years ago as a mechanic. He believes in job thoroughness and customer assistance, which he certainly practices fully.” As Sanders eventually became Capital Ford, Jimmy grew with the company and took on many positions. If you were having car trouble, you needed only to drive it into Jimmy’s bay and let him have a listen. He could usually troubleshoot the problem on the spot. At 70 years old, he semi-retired. The company kept Jimmy on as a courier and porter until he was 87.

Jimmy married his soulmate, Shirley, in 1955. Together, they raised two children and countless dogs. He was devoted to her in marriage for 68 years, and even in death, only 4 days separated them.

As a pastime, Jimmy enjoyed motorcycle operations. He and Shirley were founding members of the Pioneer Motorcycle Club of Raleigh. Close friendships were made as they traveled many miles, Harley Davidson style, to rallies and events. When he wasn’t on a motorcycle, or in his garage tinkering, he was most likely fishing.

His servant’s heart led him to take on the task of maintaining the church grounds, and he faithfully managed the lawn care well into his 80’s. He loved the Lord and found great joy in telling others about Him regularly. He studied scripture late into the night and prayed fervently for the needs of those he loved. He and Shirley gave 20 years of Sunday mornings ministering together at the Carriage House, a home for seniors. He was passionate about this outreach and remained devoted to sharing God’s word with the people there as long as he could. An avid storyteller, Jimmy cherished family time in their home. Everyone loved his stories and would linger long to hear them whether it be at the backyard fish-fry, the kitchen table over steaks he had grilled, or on the front porch relishing the harvest from his garden. No matter the age–young, old, and in-between–all would pause to listen. Truthful, dependable, tender-hearted. This is who he was.

Jimmy is survived by his daughter Debbie Cash and husband Stephen of Raleigh, NC; son Jim Myers of Archers Lodge, NC; granddaughters Kristen Williams of Dunn, NC; Melissa Grissom of Apex, NC; grandson Corey Myers of Zebulon, NC; 9 great grandchildren; sisters Margaret VanBuren of Raleigh, NC; Janice Lott of Garner, NC; and Joyce Albin of Colorado Springs, CO; sisters in law, Alice McLamb of Glen Allen, VA; and Dorothy Perry of Raleigh, NC; and many precious nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday at Capital City Church of God. Interment will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Wednesday.

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Raleigh.