HEREFORD, Jr., James Strong (Jim), age 65, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at Lincoln Medical Center. A native of Lincoln County, he was the son of the late James S. Hereford Sr. and Nell Cowley Hereford.
A longtime Fayetteville attorney, Mr. Hereford had served as City Attorney to the City of Fayetteville since December 2008. He is also a former Fayetteville alderman and former commissioner on the Lincoln County Commission.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Carter Hereford; one brother, Rufus T. Hereford, and wife, Margaret, of Fayetteville; his mother-in-law, Margaret Carter, also of Fayetteville; his sister-in-law, Julia Carter West, and husband, Butch, of Columbia; several nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends.
Mr. Hereford graduated from the Old Central High School in Fayetteville in 1964, attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated from UT with a bachelor’s degree in finance and, having enrolled in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, became a Distinguished Military Graduate. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era as a lieutenant in the Armor Corps, obtaining the Airborne Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. Subsequently, he attended and graduated from Vanderbilt University School of Law.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville, where he had formerly served as an elder and finance committee chair. He was also a member of American Legion Post 42, Vietnam Veterans of America, Fayetteville Rotary Club, Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Bar Association, and the Tennessee Bar Association. Additionally, Mr. Hereford was a founding officer of the Joseph Greer Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Mr. Hereford was elected to the Fayetteville Board of Mayor and Aldermen in 1998 and re-elected in 2000. Over the past two decades, he has been very involved in numerous community efforts and was pleased to have supported such projects as the Kelly Pittenger Senior Citizens Center, KidsPark, and the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Animal Shelter, where he and Bonnie adopted Hershey, their devoted dog, and their cat, Winston.
As an alderman, he served as a member of the Fayetteville Public Utilities board of directors during the consolidation of the Fayetteville Electric System, Fayetteville Gas System and Fayetteville Water and Sewer Department. He had also served as a member of the Oversight Committee for the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Industrial Development Board.
Prior to his service on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Mr. Hereford served on the Lincoln County Commission from 1988-89 and as a commissioner was instrumental in organizing the joint Fayetteville/Lincoln County Industrial Development Corp. He was also a former vice president of the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, vice chair and director of the Tennessee Valley Aerospace Region and past Nominating Committee chair on the Motlow College Private Industry Council.
Visitation will be held Monday evening from 4-7 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, and funeral services will be conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Todd Jenkins, Bill Nunley and Terry Abernathy officiating. Burial will follow in Kelso Cemetery in the Kelso community. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fayetteville/Lincoln County Humane Society, Fayetteville/Lincoln County Library or Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church.
Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, higginsfh.com, is in charge of arrangements.
Bonnie and other Family Members,
I was so saddened to hear of Jim’s death. My sympathies are with you as you continue to experience this loss. You are in my prayers. Lou
To Bonnie and Rufus My thoughts and prayers are with you
Bonnie & family,
I still see Jim as we rehearsed “The Happiest Millionaire” in high school and I wondered if he would ever learn his lines! Obviously he succeeded there as in the rest of his life. My sympathy and love to you all,
Susie (your former neighbor and babysitter)
With our sincere sympathy during this difficult time. May your memories comfort you always. Our prayers & thoughts are with you all. God Bless.
Mr. & Mrs. Willie C McGehee, Billy McGehee, Mary & Teresa Partin
Bonnie,
Jim’s service was as well done as any that we have ever attended with such dignity and humor and such a personal touch–he would have been so pleased. love, M and M
Our deepest sympathy to you in the passing of this fine man. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie: I am so sorry I missed you today at the funeral home. I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Jimmy’s passing. I thought so much of the both of you. I loved the good times we had when you all rented your office above Mr. Womack’s office. If there is anything I can ever do for you, please let me know. The Lord will get you through this hard time. God bless, Janice Gregory
Our sincere condolences to Jim’s family. Prayers for your peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
I thought very highly of Jim over the years and appreciated his professionalism in all endeavors. He will be missed.
Jim had a unique ability to support and encourage the best out of those he came in contact with. One of my earliest acquaintances in this community, he mentored social responsibility and exemplified community contribution. He will be sorely missed.
Bonnie, Rufus and families,
I was so shocked to hear the news of Jimmy’s passing.
He was a partner of mine at one time, as you know, and a friend. He was always a gentleman and had a loving concern for the community. May God hold you in his arms at this very difficult time. God bless you.
Kaye Monks
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Hereford’s passing. I knew of his parents many years ago, but within the past five or six years ago when there was an occasion that I needed an attorney there in Fayetteville to consult with concerning the Gregory property on Providence Road , I called him and he was quite candid with me and I appreciated his discourse very much.
On behalf of the Gregory families that grew up and knew the senior family so well, I should like to express our condolences to the family and I want them to know that I wish them well.
Respectfully,
Terea Gregory- Vines
We were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He will be missed by many. Jim was the most passionate patriot I have known. He talked to me several times about his time in Vietnam and his eyes would always be misty. He loved this country and was not affraid to show it. I loved him for that. He will be missed by his classmates in the class of ’64 as well as so many he helped and advised. Bonnie, Rufus and the Hereford family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of your loss.
Bonnie,
I was one of the Brothers who gathered each summer at Fairfield Glade. Jim was a big part of making this occasion special and fun and it will not be the same without him. He was a great guy, a gentleman and a true friend to each of us.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Greg
To Bonnie and the family: Jimmy was a fixture in my life from my Kelso childhood as well as friend to us in our current lives. He is someone who will always be special to us and he certainly embodies the term “true Southern gentleman.” Our hearts are with you at this time.
I was deeply saddened when Bob Harrison informed me of Jimmy’s death. Jimmy was a good man and a good friend to me. He will be sorely missed. I extend heartfelt condolences to Bonnie and all of Jimmy’s family and will pray that your faith will sustain you during your time of great loss.
Hi Bonnie,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a good friend and he will be missed.
Please remember you are loved by all.
Linda and Garry Reavis
Mrs Bonnie so sorry to hear about Mr Jim . You and And all the family are in my praryer. May God keep you in love care this next days . Love you Mrs Bonnie.
Bonnie, I am so sorry. I know this is a very difficult time for you and yours. I too lost my husband John three years ago and my heart goes out to you. May God watch over you and keep you in the hollow of his hand. If I can ever be of any help or encouragement to you, please call. God bless you in this time of need. MaryAnn Tackett
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. May it bring you much comfort to remember the man of excellence Jim was within his family and community. We will remember you now and in the days and weeks ahead.
Bob & Cindy Dunivan
May God’s grace be with you during this trying time.
It was with deep regret that we learned of Jim’s passing and we are shrouded with grief for the Hereford and Carter families. Jimmy always extended a friendly greeting and a smile; and, he had an easy and relaxed demeanor. Jim will be missed in Lincoln County and beyond. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Bonnie and relations at this time of sorrow.
Dear Bonnie,
Dietmar and I were completely shocked to hear about Jim’s passing. We have always considered you two to be really good friends, whom we don’t see very often, but who we know would be there if we needed them. I hope you feel the same way about us. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Ursula
We are so sorry to hear about Jim. He was a good man and will be missed. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during these difficult times ahead.
Jim will be greatly missed. I was always impressed by his wisdom and kindness over the years. God bless your family during this time of loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
So very shocked and saddened by Jim’s death. He was a true gentleman and most of all a friend whom you could call upon. Fayetteville has lost one of it’s best. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bonnie and his family.
I was very shocked hearing of Jim’s passing. He was a strong leader of the community. May.God bless each one of you.
My prayers are with you,
Shirley
Bonnie and family and Rufus and family,
Please know that Ricky and I were so saddened and shocked to hear of Jimmy’s death. Such a fine man who, unfortunately, left this earth way too early. We do feel blessed to have known him and pray that God will grant you peace and comfort in the days to come.
In Christian Love,
Ricky and Judy
I was shocked to read my e-mail concerning Jim. You have my deepest sympathies at this time, but I know that God is here for you and there is no comfort like His. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Bonnie,
It is with sadness and gratitude that I send you my sincere sympathy. Sadness because I lost a good friend. Gratitude that I had his friendship and his excellent knowledge of the working of Government. We had many in-depth conversations. May God and your wonderful memories help carry you through this difficult time. If I can ever do anything for you, please let me know.
God Bless You,
Peggy Bevels
Bonnie,
I didn’t know your husband, Jimmy, but reading the tributes, seems he was a wonderful man. I was sadden for you when I heard of your husband’s passing. Keeping you and the family in my prayers. What beautiful memories, I’m sure, you hold in your heart of your husband Jimmy.
DeLois
May God give solace and comfort to the family during this difficult time.
It seems like only yesterday that we were attending U.T. and members of Sigma Chi. “Jimmy Cow” was goood friend and a fine man and he will be missed.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this very difficult time. I have so many fond memories of wonderful times with you and Jim..wish I could have talked with Jim one more time. He will be greatly missed…
Margie Henderson
Our hearts go out to you, your family and to your employees. Mr. Hereford will truly be missed by many. May God Bless and carry you through this most difficult time.
Jimmy ” Cow” … one of the good guys! You’ll be missed!
Bonnie
How completely surprised and saddened we are to hear of Jim’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, it is our pleasure to have known you both and been your neighbors for many years. Jim has definately left his footprints in the community and will be missed by many.
All our love
The passing of a true friend is always hard to comprehend,however,it is a natural part of life. Words are always hard to come by when these events occur and they surely are hard for me to generate today. Jimmy was my great friend and i will miss him ,especially when football season rolls around. We have been blessed to have spent many a fall day in Knoxville with Jimmy[and Bonnie] over the last few years and i know he his now seeking God’s guidance relative to our Vols.
Rest in peace my friend and i am sure heaven will now be the beneficiary of your counsel.
Bonnie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
To:
Bonnie, Bonnie’s family & the Hereford family.
The Legacy this one man leaves behind is awesome and will not be forgotten. The two of you have always been so kind to us, and we could never forget either of you. His contributions and dedication to our community will long be remembered. We were so sorry to hear about his death and all of you are in our prayers.
In friendship,
Charlene & Tommy
Bonnie, we are so so sorry to learn of Jim’s sudden passing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers now and in the future.
Karen & Mike
Bonnie & Family,
Jon& I were so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. We will miss him!
Jon& Emily
Bonnie and family,
I cannot tell you how sorry I was to hear of Jimmy’s passing. Know that I am thinking of you in your time of great sorrow.
Dear Bonnie and family,
Words cannot express my sorrow in learning of Jim’s passing. A wonderful man that loved God, his family, and friends. He served our City with dedication and pride for Fayetteville and Lincoln County. Jim will truly be missed by all of us blessed to call him our friend.
My prayers are with you Bonnie that God will embrace you with HIS love and comfort.
Sincerely,
Sue Cary
Jim Strong Junior was a great man and a great friend. I will always remember where ever I was when I walked into the room Jim was gald to see me and just a real friend. I 1st met Jimmy when we went to Freshman orientation at Central about 1959. We have been friends these many years. I will really miss him and his ear to ear smile.
To Bonnie and all Jim’s family.
I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I always considered him to be a true friend and confidant and a Southern Gentleman of the highest order, as well as a patriot. His loss will be felt by many for a long time to come. My condolences to all of you. May you feel the Grace and Peace only God can give at a time such as this and the presence of the Holy Spirit in your lives for the comfort He wants to grant to you all.
God bless all of you.
Jim
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I heard about Jim’s passing from my Fayetteville cousin, Jim Cashion. Not only was he my former student at the Vanderbilt Law School, but he was my friend and client. I treasure my memories of him. The news is shocking and I wish nothing but the best for all who loved him. May the God of all comfort attend you in this dark hour.
I was so shocked to learn of Jim’s death this morning. Please know that I am remembering you and your family in my prayers. May the good memories you have of him sustain you in the days to come.