James C. "Jim" Kimberlin

James C. Kimberlin, “Jim” 81, departed this life, Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Dunlop House in Colonial Heights, VA.
He resided at the Dunlop House for the past 18 months, but spent most of his adult life living in Jarratt, Virginia for nearly 55 years. He enjoyed small-town life and attended many events and gatherings in the community. He especially enjoyed gatherings with his church family and was famously known for the banana pudding that he prepared and shared at church dinners.
Jim was born in Johnson County, Tennessee, December 1, 1935, a son of the late D.C. and Maude Kimberlin. He graduated from Johnson County High School in Tennessee. He then served in the United States Marine Corps for three years including some time in Japan. After leaving the military, he earned a bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University and later a master’s degree in elementary education from the College of William & Mary.
He was an employee of the Sussex County public schools for 29 years retiring in 1991. He served as the principal at Jefferson Elementary School. For a time, he was the principal at both Jefferson and Jarratt Elementary Schools. He also served as a teacher and coach at Jarratt and Stony Creek High Schools.
Jim strongly believed in the value of public education and worked tirelessly to serve the students and staff of both schools and the county. His goal was to be fair and honest as he supported their efforts.
He served a number of terms on the Jarratt Town Council and two terms as the town’s mayor.
He was a devout Christian and an active member of the High Hills Baptist Church in Jarratt where he was a Sunday School teacher for many years. He most recently attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Colonial Heights.
Jim enjoyed being outdoors. He was an avid gardener of both vegetables and flowers with his wife. They shared much of what they grew with family, friends and neighbors in Jarratt. He was also an active fisherman for many years. He and his wife were known for taking long walks each morning. Jim was an avid reader. He read and studied the Bible daily. He subscribed to multiple magazines and newspapers. He read the Richmond Times-Dispatch each morning, from the first page to the last.
He was a fan of gospel music and attended many concerts with his wife. Jim enjoyed a variety of sports. He followed the Washington Redskins and the Tennessee Volunteers. He was a fan of college basketball, rooting for UNC, Duke and the VCU Rams.
He is survived by his wife, Stella Jeanette (Dugger), of Colonial Heights. They were high school sweethearts and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in February.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Keith Kimberlin of Westerly, RI and a daughter, Jackie Kimberlin of Emporia, VA, two granddaughters, Brittany Aerni (Adam) of Chester, VA and Caitlin Kimberlin, of Westerly, a grandson, Matthew Kimberlin (Tamiel) of Los Angeles, CA and a great grandson, Landon Bailey, of Westerly.
He is also survived by a sister, Peggy Church, of Valle Crucis, North Carolina, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
He was predeceased by a sister, Eleanor Church of Zionville, North Carolina, and two infant brothers.
The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to Jim’s former colleague and devoted friend, W. H. Goodwyn, III, of Waverly, VA for his ongoing love and support throughout the years and especially during his illness.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to the staff of the Dunlop House and private caregivers for the care they provided to him.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, October 16 at High Hills Baptist Church, Jarratt, Virginia where the family will receive friends 12 – 2 prior to the service. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to High Hills Baptist Church, P.O. Box 296, Jarratt, VA 23867.