Abingdon, Virginia
REPASS, James “Jimmy” Herbert Jr., 85, of Abingdon, Virginia went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at NHC Healthcare, Bristol, Virginia. Jimmy “Mule” died peacefully in his sleep during recovery from a brain hemorrhage on Christmas Day. Jimmy was born on September 5, 1937 in Abingdon. He was predeceased by his parents James Herbert Repass, Sr. and Ethel Elizabeth Price Repass, grandparents, Thomas H. and Susie Musselwhite Repass and Samuel M. and Hattie Leonard Price. He is survived by his sister, Nancy Repass Bullock and husband Robert, brother Sam Ray Repass and wife Karen, and nephew, Samuel Jay Repass.
Jimmy will be remembered for dancing in front of the stage with or without a partner. Band members often thanked him for jamming to their tunes. He always sported custom-made jewelry that would make Elvis and Liberace jealous. Most people did not know that he made all of his accessories himself. He loved to shop at Hobby Lobby. He bedazzled everything from sunglasses to custom-made walking canes. His rings and pendants were much sought by customers at Bone Fire Smokehouse Restaurant in Abingdon, his favorite place to dance, eat and socialize. One noted that the first time he asked his wife to marry him was with one of Jimmy’s rings.
Jimmy was an amazing folk artist. With paper, wood, plastic, bottle tops, and whatever he could find, he replicated to scale colorful items such as hot air balloons, cars, trucks, and houses.
Jimmy loved Abingdon and collected items telling the history of the people, houses, businesses, culture, and music. Attending Virginia Highlands Festival was a highlight of his life. He never missed a year enjoying the Antiques Market, Arts and Crafts Show, and especially the music concerts.
Jimmy was a true character. He did it his way. Many will miss seeing his big smile, slick dance moves, and colorful clothing with accessories.
Family visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M. with a funeral service following at 2:00 P.M on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at the Frost Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jimmy’s memory may be made to the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia, 341 West Main Street, P.O. Box 484, Abingdon, VA 24212-0484.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the Repass family.