WILMINGTON — James “Jim” Baxter Rivenbark was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on September 6th, 1935 to Jeremiah J Rivenbark and Margaret Itice Thompson Rivenbark, both deceased. His son James “Jay” Baxter Rivenbark Jr and his older brother Jeremiah “Jerry” J Rivenbark Jr predeceased him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elaine Gayle Newkirk Rivenbark, and his favorite daughter, Susan Elizabeth Rivenbark. He is also survived by his sister Itice Rivenbark Goldthorpe and her children, Ted and KT Goldthorpe, and his brother Robert A Rivenbark and his children Allen Rivenbark and Robin Schultz, and a number of great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jim graduated from New Hanover High School and Wilmington Junior College and then spent 4 years in the US Air Force. He graduated from UNC School of Business and UNC Law School concurrently in 1963. He practiced law in Greensboro for over 30 years and was associated with a number of fine lawyers, namely James Alspaugh, Lawrence Edgerton, Bob Cahoon, John Kirkman, Stuart Watlington, Kent Lively, and Ralph Evans.
After several years of general practice he had the opportunity to be exposed to a growing segment of the law: providing services to automotive dealers. For over 50 years until his death he represented dealers against manufacturers and assisted in the buying and/or selling of over 200 automotive dealerships. These were located from New York to New Orleans and in most of the southeastern states.
Jim and his family enjoyed many family adventures, especially at Wrightsville Beach and skiing in the mountains of North Carolina, Colorado, and Utah. After their children were adults he and Gayle traveled with long-time friends Jim and Cathy Long to Alaska, across Eastern Europe, across the U.S. and Canada, and to many UNC Tar Heel sporting events.
He enjoyed hunting throughout his life with his father, uncles, brothers, cousins, and two special friends, Carl Smith and Arthur Fitzner.
He was a member of the Greensboro Optimist Club for many years, Governor of the Optimist Clubs of N.C. and on the executive board of Boys and Girls Homes of N.C. for many years. He was also an elder in Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro and The Little Chapel on the Boardwalk at Wrightsville Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages gifts to the Children’s Home Society, PO Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415, and Little Chapel on the Boardwalk, 2 West Fayetteville Street, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480, or to the charity of one’s choice.
The Rivenbark Family wishes warmest thanks to his pastor, Caroline Jinkins and friend, Betty Woodard for their loving attention. They also extend special thanks to Davis Rehab for taking such great care of Jim.
