Last Updated on September 22, 2025 11:40 am
James “Jim” Goodnight Jr., a longtime Watauga County business owner who helped build one of the area's largest employers, died Monday, September 15, 2025 at his Valle Crucis home. He was 83.
Born in Watauga County to J.C. and Rosalie Goodnight, Jim graduated from Watauga High School and studied at Appalachian State Teachers College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He briefly taught history at York High School in South Carolina before entering the family business.
Goodnight, known for his sharp wit and entrepreneurial spirit, returned to Boone in 1968 to join his father and uncles in starting the family's country ham business. Under his leadership, Goodnight Brothers grew to employ more than 160 people by the mid-1990s, making it one of Watauga County's largest employers.
The company relocated operations to a local industrial park in the mid-1990s, expanding its workforce to serve employees from Watauga and surrounding counties. Goodnight Brothers has operated for more than 75 years and will continue under family leadership.
Beyond business, Goodnight was an avid traveler who visited Antarctica, Africa, and countries across Europe. He was also a passionate fan of UNC athletics and the Carolina Panthers, attending two Super Bowl games to support the team.
A graveside service will be held Friday, September 26, at 1 p.m. at Mount Lawn Cemetery. A celebration of life is planned for late October. Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is handling arrangements.
