James "Jimmy" Thomas  English Sr., age 88 of Wilmington passed peacefully Monday November 24, 2025 at LCF Life Care surrounded by his loving family.

He was born March 19, 1937 in New Hanover County son of the late James "Leo" and Mary English.

He is survived by two sons, James "Bubba" English (Amy) and Henry "Rusty" Smith,  and daughter, Juanita Hodge all of Wilmington; six grandchildren, Candice English, Allen English, Hunter English (Macy), Sarah Rose Doiron (Zachary), Rachel Hodge, and Andrew Russell Smith (Krista); three great grandchildren, Maverick English, Autumn English, and Lydia Rose Doiron;  two sisters, Billie Carroll (Billy) and Brenda James (Blain); many nieces and nephews; and Mildred McLean his special life long love.

Jimmy's passions were alligator removal and relocation, gardening and growing collards. He loved to hunt and enjoyed raising hunting dogs. Jimmy was a legend in New Hanover and Brunswick counties for his Wildlife relocation and collard raising.

The family will receive friends at 10:00 am at Harrell's Funeral Home before the service. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Saturday November 29, 2025 at Harrell's Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Andy Ottaway officiating. Burial will follow at Williams Cemetery in New Hanover County.