Born on September 23, 1937, in Sampson County, to the late James McKinnon and Annie Lou Wooten. Jimmy was the eldest of 10 siblings.

Jimmy is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Audrey Moore Wooten. His children and their spouses, Andrea Wooten Nelson (Brad), Stephanie Wooten Huffman, Wendy Wooten Parker (Robert), James Howard Wooten, Jr. (Kim), Jaime Wooten Huffman (Adam), and Kristin Wooten Andrews (Jim); 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Faith Nethercutt, Jane Parker, and Beverly Carruth; brothers, Dean Wooten, Wallace Wooten, Thomas Wooten, Kent Wooten, and Ricky Wooten. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Carraway.

Jimmy retired from Bethlehem Steel where he was a welder for many years. He enjoyed welding so much that he even did it on the side, building trailer, grills, and wood stove heaters. Not only did he work a full time job, but he found the time to raise cattle and grow a few crops. You could expect Mr. Jimmy to be out front of his house selling watermelons in the Summer and pumpkins in the Fall. Jimmy loved people; he never met a stranger. He loved to tell you about his Lord and did so through his 27 year ministry, where he led many souls to Christ and pastored two churches: Lee’s Union Advent Christian Church and First Advent Christian Church of Four Oaks. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather to his family he truly adored.

One of Jimmy’s favorite Bible verses that he quoted even during his sickness was 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Heartfelt thanks from our family to the wonderful nurses/nursing aides for their care, kindness and friendship shared over his final months.

A funeral service will be held to celebrate his life Thursday, December 28th at 11:00am in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton with family receiving friends one hour prior to the service starting at 10:00am. Burial will be held directly after service at Shady Grove OFWB Church Cemetery in Dunn, NC.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to https://www.act.alz.org.