James Frank "Jim" Bivins, Jr.

James F. Bivins, Jr.

April 23, 1936-September 11, 2017

James Frank Bivins, Jr., 81, died peacefully in his sleep at his Asheboro home Monday morning.

He is survived by his wife, Miriam Fyock Bivins, of the home; three children, James Louis Bivins and wife, Tonya, of Asheboro; Sarah Gwyn Bivins of Albemarle and David Edward Bivins of Sylvania, GA; grandchildren, Emmet Howle of Columbia, SC, Anna Bivins and Breck Bivins of Asheboro; brother, Joseph Powell Bivins and wife, Rachel, of Virginia Beach, VA; three nieces and two nephews.

Jim was born in Mount Airy and grew up in Elkin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Frank Bivins and Mary Leslie Powell Bivins, and sister Polly Ann Gamble.

One of the oldest practicing civil engineers in North Carolina, Jim had more than 55 years of experience in civil engineering projects and was often called as an expert witness in court cases. Appointed by Gov. James B. Hunt, Jr., he served on the NC Board of Health from 1978 to 1981.

A 1961 civil engineering graduate of North Carolina State, he was chief engineer with Moore-Gardner and Associates of Asheboro from 1974 to 1982, after which he opened his own firm in Murrells Inlet, SC. After selling the practice in 1994 he returned to Asheboro where he was employed for 18 years by Marziano & Minier. For the past five years he has been associated with Summey Engineering in Asheboro.

He was a member of the Church Of The Good Shepherd in Asheboro.

A serious golfer, Jim designed a number of golf courses including Foxfire (now Rocky Creek golf course) in Vidalia, GA; Black Creek golf course in Ellabell, GA, and Holly Ridge in Sophia, NC. He was a charter member of both Pinewood Country Club in Asheboro and Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet, SC.

He served in the Air National Guard.

Friends will be received by the family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro. A graveside service will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Mack Summey officiating.

The family requests memorial gifts be directed to Hospice of Randolph County, PO Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204.