James "Jimmy" Vickers

James “Jimmy” Vickers, 89, of Durham, North Carolina passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025. He was born on September 6, 1935 in Durham, NC to the late Walter and Catherine Coe Vickers.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by his son, Jamie Allen Vickers; brothers, Thomas R. Vickers, Timothy C. Vickers and Walter Lee Vickers, II and sisters, Peggy Spivey and Lynette Vickers.

Mr. Vickers was a longtime member of Durham First Assembly of God where he faithfully served the Lord and the church. Everyone he met was touched by him. 

From 1955 to 1970 he traveled the nation erecting the world’s largest gospel tent for revivals with Evangelist A.A. Allen from Miracle Valley, Arizona. At times he also erected the tent for Evangelist R.W. Schambach and helped several other Evangelists as they would call Jimmy for advice on their tent. 

Jimmy had a heart for missions and went on several mission trips to other countries but focused his attention on the Philippines. He loved the Philippines and the Filipino people and made 9 mission trips to the Philippines.

For the last15 years he has helped Reverend David Smith with his Under the Bridge Ministry, a ministry to the homeless in downtown Durham. 

After returning to Durham from his many years of traveling with the Evangelistic organization, he owned and operated Vickers Wrecker Service where he towed at Duke University and Duke Medical Center for more than 20 years. He also owned and operated a mobile home park before retiring.

Jimmy will be remembered as an inspirational, faithful and loving man. He will be deeply missed by the countless lives he touched.

Mr. Vickers is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Linda Higgs Vickers; son, Christopher T. Vickers; grandson, Chad Vickers (Rolyn); great granddaughter, “The Apple of his Eye” Nellie Juliana Vickers; special children loved as grandchildren, Steven Grover, Starlena Barnes, Harmony Chavis and Honesty Knight and numerous loving nieces and nephews, other family members, church members, missionary members and the many lives he touched abroad.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, January 24, 2025 at First Assembly of God, 1034 Hamlin Rd., Durham, NC. Officiating will be Pastor Denver Shelton, Rev. David Smith and Dr. Ross Collette. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Durham, NC.

The family will receive friends prior to the service starting at 10:30 A.M.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Sven Blomberg, Andrew Blomberg, Stephen Blomberg, Alex Blomberg, Timothy Blomberg and Chad Vickers

Flowers are acceptable or donations may be made in Jimmy’s memory to First Assembly of God Church for missions in the Philippines, 1034 Hamlin Road, Durham, NC 27704.