James Dean Hestikind, Sr.

James “Jimbo” Dean Hestikind Sr.

September 5, 1961 - September 15, 2025

James Dean “Jimbo” Hestikind Sr., 64, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on September 15, 2025. A beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Jim lived a life marked by strength, courage, service, and laughter, and a life that touched more people than he ever realized.

Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on September 5, 1961, Jim was raised in Charlotte, and was an all-round athlete who found a home on football and baseball fields to wrestling mats, he poured himself into every game, every match, every moment. That passion and determination would continue to carry him into his life.

The day he graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in June 1980, Jim walked off stage straight to the Marine Corps bus ready to take him to basic training. It was the beginning of a long and courageous journey in military service that would span over 25 years. As a Marine, Jim service took him from Camp Lejune, NC to Grenda in 1983 under Operation Urgent Fury and also to Beirut, Lebanon as apart of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force.

After his time with the Marines, Jim transitioned into the U.S. Army and later the Army National Guard, where he continued to serve with pride. In 2004, he deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired from his military career in 2005 with honor.

Jim also built a meaningful civilian life of 34 years, working as Head of Maintenance at Gerdau (Florida) Steel in Charlotte, NC.

In recent years, Jim found simple joys in golfing, fishing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and watching his grandkids on the ball field or court. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger. Jim had a gift for connecting with people.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Odean O. Hestikind and Martha Smith Hestikind, and his sister, Marsha Hestikind Dry.

He is survived by his two children, Corey Beth Travaglini (Nick) and James Dean Hestikind Jr. (Side Kick, Ozzy); his sister Cheryl Hestikind Shue (Mark); his brother Robert Howard Hestikind (Lynn); and his three grandchildren John, Natalie, and Thomas Travaglini. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and his former wife and friend, Dawn Hestikind.

He also leaves behind his hunting, riding, work and fishing buddies, his golfing crew, and a wide circle of friends and fellow veterans who will forever feel the absence of his laugh, his stories, and his unwavering friendship.

Jim’s life was a tapestry of service, sacrifice, grit, and deep courage. He taught those around him what it means to keep going, even when it’s hard, and to laugh even when life is heavy.

He was our hero. He was our friend. He was our father, brother, and grandfather. And he will never be forgotten. Semper Fi.

A memorial graveside service will be held Sunday 21, 2pm at Freedom Baptist Church officiated by James Roy Moritz. The service is located at 20015 Coley Store Rd. Locust, NC

An escort procession will proceed from Oakboro Park to Freedom Baptist Church. Anyone wishing to attend the procession, please meet at 1:30pm at Oakboro Park. Motorcycles welcome.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Stanly County Sheriff's Dept. and The Guardian Nomad Law Enforcement Club for the escorts. The family would also like to extend their deepest gratitude to Ansonville Volunteer Fire Dept., Wadesboro Fire Dept., Atrium Hospital of Wadesboro, Anson County EMS, and the Anson County Sheriff's Dept. for the professional and loving care in their service to Jim and the Hestikind family.

Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Hestikind family.