Marvin "Jim Tom" Hedrick

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, the mountains of Western North Carolina lost a legendary moonshiner, master storyteller, and still maker.  Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick, one of Graham County’s most famous personalities, lost his lengthy battle with cancer at the age of 82.

          Jim Tom opened much of the world’s eyes to a secluded portion of Western North Carolina, by appearing as one of the featured cast members on the Discovery Channel’s series “Moonshiners”.  He dedicated much of his life to the art of moonshining, becoming a legend along the way.  Jim Tom’s well-earned reputation as one of the most skilled moonshiners in the South, and his colorful personality endeared him to the hearts of millions.  Jim Tom never met a stranger, and he touched the lives of countless individuals and was especially eager to pass along his lifetime of moonshining knowledge to a new generation of distillers, ensuring the craft would endure.

          Jim Tom’s passion for his craft and warm heart has left an indelible mark on all who knew him.  As one of his fans wrote “He was one of the best and different from all the rest.”

          He was a native of Graham County and the son of the late Marvin and Gladys Robinson Hedrick.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Buster Hedrick and his sister, Pat Williams.

          He is survived by his son, David Neal Hedrick of Marshall, NC; grandsons, Brandon and Kevin Hedrick; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Noah Williams; and brother, Gerald Hedrick all of Robbinsville, NC.  He is also survived by his very special friend, that he has known since she was a child, Caislee “Gladolia” Lane, special care givers and friends, Tammy Hicks, Patsy Cable, Tina Hooper, along with several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

          Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the Townson-Smith Chapel.  The Reverends Noah Williams, Daniel Stewart and Tom Buchanan will officiate.  Burial will follow the service at Carver Cemetery.

          The family will receive friends from 12:00 till 3:00 pm at the Townson-smith Chapel prior to the service.

          Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hedrick family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.