James Bainbridge Sommers Jr.

Jimmy is survived by his mother, Susan Oast Tompkins of Charlotte and his older and adoring sisters, Susan Sommers Crisp of Atlanta and Ruthie Sommers of Los Angeles. He is preceded in death by his father, James Bainbridge Sommers, also of Charlotte. Jimmy is also survived by his dear and closest companion, Robin Sanders of Austin, Texas and their dogs; he was a devoted caregiver to his Austin family. His nephew, Sellers and nieces, Shepherd, Martha, Eloise, Bailey, and Posey loved their “Uncle Jimmy”.

Jimmy graduated from the University of NC at Chapel Hill and completed two National Outdoor Leadership (NOLS) programs. He was an avid lover of nature, hiking and biking. He loved to travel with his father and fished with him from Argentina to Apalachicola, FL. In Austin, he was a professional artist and videographer, and his works were shown in galleries, and are in many homes across the country. He was an excellent cook and a connoisseur of fine foods. He enjoyed nurturing his friends and loved ones. Most recently, he was employed at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Austin.

Jimmy was a caring, generous and forgiving friend, with an eye for the beauty in each of us and a gift for compassion and empathy. He touched many lives with his warmth, generosity and personal courage. He was renowned for his wit and good humor, which were enhanced by his ready smile and dancing eyes. His memory will be an inspiration to the many who love and miss him and hold him always in their hearts. He reminds us now to be kind, have fun and make of our lives our finest works of art.

A private garden service at Christ Episcopal Church will be held May 28, 2015.

For those who wish to send a memorial, please consider the HopeWay Foundation, 6801 Fairview Road, Charlotte, 28210 (info@hopewayfoundation.org); NOLS,284 Lincoln Street, Lander, WY 82520-2848 (800-710-6657); or Trails Carolina, Lake Toxaway, NC (800-875-7303).