James A. "J-Bird" Rhyne

James A. "J-Bird" Rhyne, 52, of Athens, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2016.
Born May 7, 1963 in Atlanta, he was the son of Martha "Marty" Maupin Rhyne of Carnesville and the late John Louis "Johnny" Rhyne. James was raised in Athens and attended Athens Christian School and Clarke Central High School. He was an avid racing fan. Not only NASCAR, but NHRA Drag Racing, which he was a 7 time track champion winner for Pro ET at Commerce Atlanta Dragway and had 8 wallys under his belt. James was a lover of all animals, from birds to horses, and they all loved him. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother and father in law, Dot and Guy Hunter; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Gayle Hunter; and his aunt and uncle, Jimmy and Sista Maupin.
Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Rhonda Hunter Rhyne of Athens; his beloved pet, Roxy; his sister, Mariette Farrow, her husband Don and their children, Hannah Farrow of Houston, TX and Landon Farrow of Carnesville; his brother, Rip Rhyne and his wife Ellen Morgan Rhyne of Watkinsville; brothers-in-law, Robert Hunter of Athens, David Hunter of Athens and Larry Hunter and his wife Karen of Crestview, FL; sister-in-law Ann Wilbanks, her husband Mike and their son Johnathan.
James was a faithful, dedicated and loyal employee of Phil Hughes Auto Sales for 25 years. Survivors of his Phil Hughes family include Pheobe Hughes and Apryl and Stan Stanfill.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Lord and Stephens, West. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 19, 2016 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. All racers and bikers are welcome to attend.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Lord and Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements.