Jimmy was born on May 19, 1972, in Nashville, Tennessee. However, he would remain unaware of this significant detail until he turned 50, as
he was adopted shortly after birth. His biological mother, Barbara Shepherd, faced unimaginable challenges after a traumatic brain injury, sustained when she was struck by a vehicle while walking. This incident occurred just two years before Jimmy's conception, and at the time of his birth, she was residing in an assisted living facility. Tragically, Barbara's family was not even informed of her pregnancy, leaving them
understandably unprepared to care for a newborn. Consequently, they decided to place him for adoption. The only detail they could provide was that he was a boy with distinctive red hair.

Jimmy's adoption took place through an agency based in St. Petersburg, Florida, which would later be the location listed on his birth certificate. He was welcomed into the loving arms of Marilyn and James Hiers, who had been married for 17 years and were eager to start a family. After receiving the news that a red-haired child was available for adoption, they immediately stepped forward. The Hiers family provided Jimmy with a nurturing and stable home, allowing him to grow and thrive. Five years after bringing him home, they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Lynn, completing their family unit.

The Hiers family settled in a cozy house on Downing Circle, located in East Tampa, and they continue to reside there to this day. Jimmy's father, James, affectionately nicknamed "Sonny" due to a debilitating injury he sustained while working at Florida Steel, was a skilled mechanic. He spent his time repairing small engines and other mechanical devices, sharing his knowledge and passion with Jimmy. Marilyn, Jimmy's mother, owned a hair salon, which was a thriving business she operated out of a shop that Sonny built for her at their home.

Like any family, the Hiers household experienced its share of ups and downs. Yet, Jimmy chose to focus on the love that surrounded him. He fondly remembered the gatherings with relatives, where they played cards, shared stories, and strummed guitars, creating a rich tapestry of musical memories. His passion for music was palpable, shaped by the connections he formed with his father and cousins.

From a young age, Jimmy demonstrated an adventurous spirit and a love of mechanics. By the time he was just two years old, he had already learned to ride a bicycle. Like many children of his generation, he developed a fascination with motorcycles, a passion for anything that had wheels that would last his lifetime. He was intelligent and possessed a great sense of humor, often employing a mix of subtle wit and boisterous jokes that could lighten any room. Despite having a sometimes-fiery temper, Jimmy's intensity was matched by his capacity for love and compassion.

Throughout his life, Jimmy learned hard lessons through experience. He faced the consequences of his questionable choices but demonstrated resilience, often repeating the cycle of learning and growing. Stubbornness was a trait of his, but those who were fortunate enough to know him also recognized his gentle side. He was generous with hugs that conveyed genuine care, a comforting presence in the lives of many friends.

Jimmy became a father in 1991, revealing to him that he had an unknown daughter named Marissa. Although years passed without them being together, their bond was strong the moment he learned of her existence. Later, he welcomed Taylor in 1993, John in 2004, Abby in 2010, and Emma in 2012. Additionally, he embraced his role as a stepfather to Lily, born in 2004, and Liam, born in 2007. Over the past 15 years, he and his wife, Chas, raised their blended family of four children together. Jimmy cherished the concept of family and truly valued the love that came from these connections.

He often hoped his children would inherit not only his striking looks and charm but also the values and love that he held dear. For Jimmy, family went beyond mere DNA; it was about the emotional bonds they shared and what the future might hold for them as a unit. As he aged, he embraced the precious moments spent with family and friends, understanding that time was finite and that each birthday and barbecue shared was a gift. His last 2 birthdays he was able to attend were for his grandchildren Kyler, Age 11, and Sadie age 6.

Jimmy was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer two years ago, a reality that struck him  harder knowing it was at an advanced stage by the time he became aware of his condition. Left untreated, it was uncertain how long he might have gone without realizing it. Throughout his battle, he underwent various treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation aimed at his brain, alongside a rigorous regimen of medications to help extend his time with loved ones. Despite the relentless grip of cancer, he maintained hope and a fierce determination to fight back against it.

In his last days, Jimmy's message to all those who loved him was clear: cherish one another, navigate through the bad times, and never stop fighting for your beliefs. He acknowledged that if life carried someone away before their dreams were realized, they should share those dreams with others, allowing them to carry the torch forward. His passing was a heart-wrenching event that neither he nor his family desired, yet they had often discussed the journey they were on together—the insidious nature of cancer had strained their ability to enjoy life and maintain close bonds.

There was suffering, there were tears and moments of despair, but through it all, Jimmy's wife remained steadfast. She stayed by his side, doing everything she could to make him comfortable, even in the darkest moments. On the day he passed away, surrounded by his beloved wife and children, his last breath marked his transition—a moment in which it felt as if his spirit rejoined the universe. She prayed for peace for him in his suffering, and in the end, her prayers were answered. Together, they held onto the love and memories, reminding each other that family bonds, forged through joy and hardship, would endure even in his absence.

- His final request was to be given a piece of paper on which he wrote what appeared to be 'I Foo F*ck". I knew it was funny, and
it made us all laugh, but I knew he was just trying to say "I love you" one more time.