James "Jim" Paul Drummond

Jim Drummond

  Jim passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the Hospice Home of Burlington.  He courageously battled prostate cancer for 13 years.  His unyielding zest for life, his warm smile, and his sense of humor will be cherished forever.  Jim is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Witt Drummond.  They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage on December 14.  As a testament of their love, in the last week of Jim’s life, he said to Brenda “I love you more than my golf clubs” …now that’s love.

  Jim was an avid golfer and enjoyed golf trips to the beach and mountains with his golf buddies.  He had lots of fun on fishing trips…fly fishing was his favorite.  He enjoyed working in the yard and took great pride in these labors of love.  On August 21, 2024, Jim fulfilled a bucket list item and went skydiving!

  Jim was born on May 23, 1946, to Paul and Kate Drummond, both deceased.  He is also predeceased by his father-in-law, Edward Camden Witt.

  In addition to Brenda, he is survived by his sister, Jeanne Drummond Watte (Mike) of Greenville, SC, mother-in-law, Betty Jean Shumpert Witt of Crossville, TN., sisters-in-law, Lucretia McDonald of Brentwood, TN., Cecylle Trout of Harriman, TN. Tamara Witt of Atlanta, GA., Melanie Witt-Fechtner (Petr) of Big Canoe, GA., and brother-in-law, Todd Witt (Rachel) of Knoxville, TN.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and a great nephew.

  Jim joined Elon University (College) in 1987 and developed academic programs in health, physical education and recreation, the department known today as Sport Management in the School of Communications.  He was founding department chair of the Leisure and Sport Management department and served for many years as the university parliamentarian.  He retired in 2012, but continued to support Elon, especially as a season ticket holder for football and men’s and women’s basketball.

  Jim served as co-chair of the annual faculty/staff fundraising campaign and was proud of his department’s efforts to establish an impactful endowed scholarship fund.

  Jim was highly involved with the Alamance County community through Special Olympics.  He also served on the Alamance County and City of Burlington park and recreation advisory committees and served in various capacities for the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association.  In 2010 that organization honored Jim with a meritorious service award for his leadership and service.

  A Committal Service will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Woodruff, S.C. by Rev. Danny Garrett.

  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice Home, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, N.C. 27215 or the charity of one’s choice.