Hobgood –

James Walter Vick, Jr., affectionately known as "J.W.", passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the age of 71. He was born in Edgecombe County on June 13, 1954 to James and Lila Hill Vick of Speed, NC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Moore Vick.

He leaves a lifetime of treasured memories his daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Jeff Bland; two grandsons who were his whole world, Damian Bland and Jonathan Bland and companion, Venus, all of Tarboro; as well as Dana's mother, Vanessa Pittman and her husband, Phil, who remained caring friends through the years. He will also be greatly missed by many special friends and extended relatives that include Greg Mosley, also of Tarboro, with whom J.W. shared a special bond in the tractor repairing and restoring industry that spanned over three decades; also, Rhonda Rowe, a niece he loved as his own daughter, along with many other close friends and extended relatives, too many to name but all loved dearly by J.W.

As most of his circle knows, J.W. had a special appreciation for vintage tractors and was extremely gifted in his repairing and rebuilding skills. He loved working on tractors and especially sharing his knowledge with friends and family. He also enjoyed serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Speed Fire Department for close to thirty years. J.W. was a beloved father, grandfather and dear friend who impacted many lives of friends and family alike.

A Celebration of J.W.'s Life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Tarboro Church of God, 908 W. St. James Street, Tarboro. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00pm, and other times at the home of Dana and Jeff Bland.