Jim Tom Hedrick, star of ‘Moonshiners,’ dead at 82

nypost.com:

“Moonshiners,” has died. He was 82.Sugarlands Distilling Company announced Hedrick’s death in a Facebook post Wednesday, writing, “It’s with heavy hearts we say goodbye to our dear friend Marvin ‘Jim Tom’ Hedrick.”“Born Christmas Day, 1940, Jim Tom dedicated much of his life to the art of moonshining, becoming a legend in Appalachia along the way,” the statement continued. “Jim Tom’s well-earned reputation as one of the most skilled moonshiners in the South earned him a role on the hit television program Moonshiners, where his colorful personality endeared Jim Tom to the hearts of millions.”TMZ reported that a family member said Hedrick died Wednesday morning in Robbinsville, North Carolina.

He reportedly had kidney cancer and had been undergoing dialysis for some time. Fellow moonshiners Mark Ramsey and Digger Manes posted photos of Hedrick in a nursing home last week.

They also passed along a note from Hedrick’s cousin Tina, who asked supporters for their prayers. “This is for all of Jimtoms (sic) family & friends that have called, and sent messages asking how he’s doing,” the Sept.

1 post read. “He is comfortable and resting with no pain right now (which is what we’ve been praying for). Please keep Jimtoms Sister Judy Williams & her husband Noah in your prayers as well, they’ve been with Jimtom every single day, and they are tired, but wouldn’t have it any other way, they love him so much …”Tina continued, “I got to spend the day with Jimtom yesterday, and my heart hurts seeing him like this, but I was also touched and blessed at the same time.