KENANSVILLE— Family, friends, former co-workers, and community leaders gathered on the James Sprunt Community College campus to honor and celebrate Jimmy Strickland on the occasion of his 90th birthday. Congratulations and well wishes were the order of the day for over 100 celebrants as the room filled with smiles, hugs, and handshakes. His life spans 9 decades of history with challenges and triumphs, all of which he has lived with respect for others, and dedication and devotion to his native Duplin County.

“Jimmy,” as he is best known, has distinguished himself as a private businessman, public servant, and civic leader in his community and in Eastern North Carolina. As a private businessman, Strickland operated Farmers Hardware Company in Warsaw for more than 40 years. He is married to the former Margaret Simmons of Sanford. They have one son and one daughter, 5 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.

Perhaps his greatest achievement in public service is his support of education. Much of the growth and success of James Sprunt Community College is directly attributed to his dedication and leadership. A charter member of the College’s Board of Trustees, Mr. Strickland served the board as its first chairman for 19 years, from 1967-1986 and remains an active Board member today. His energy, leadership, and vision have provided much of the spirit of unity and service which has made James Sprunt Community College an integral part of the Duplin County community.

In recognition of his many contributions to education, JSCC dedicated its student center on May 22, 1987 as the James F. Strickland Student Center. In 2001, the James F. Strickland Scholarship endowment was established by Mr. Thomas S. Kenan, III and the Randleigh Foundation of Chapel Hill in honor of Mr. Strickland. The Strickland scholarship is awarded to a full-time student enrolled in or planning to enroll in a curriculum program at James Sprunt Community College.

In addition to his support of JSCC, his dedication to the cause of education is also evidenced by more than 25 years of service on the Duplin County Board of Education, including several terms as chairman. As a member of the North Carolina State Board Association, he was presented the Association’s award in 1984 for “outstanding service to the education of North Carolina’s children.”

Mr. Strickland is a man whose life has been devoted to serving the people of his community, his county, and his state. His civic involvement includes many years of active work as a Rotarian, Mason, and member of many community organizations in Duplin County. He also served as county magistrate for 16 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942 to 1946, then in the N. C. National Guard until his retirement at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Strickland graduated from Warsaw High School in 1937 and attended Louisburg Junior College.