James Richard Hix was born in Moravian Falls (Wilkes County), North Carolina, on October 7, 1878. Hix was a longtime business and civic leader in North Wilkesboro where he owned and operated Vaughn-Hemphill and served as president of the Bank of North Wilkesboro (1923-1964). Over his career, he served as secretary for the American Furniture Co. and the Gordon Mills textile plant and as managing director of Turner White Casket Co. and the Wilkes Hotel. In addition to his business interests, Hix also served as director of the Wilkes YMCA, president of the Wilkes Kiwanis Club, and as a trustee for Appalachian State Teachers College. He died in North Wilkesboro on April 28, 1966.