Jim Tom From 'Moonshiners' Left His Mark on the Distilling World in the South

The Reality TV series Moonshiners pulls back the curtain on the 200-year-old tradition of making moonshine in Appalachia. Discovery writes, "Every spring, a fearless group of men and women venture deep into the woods of Appalachia, defying the law, rivals, and nature itself to keep the centuries-old tradition of craft whiskey alive."

Premiering in 2011, Moonshiners has had three spinoff series, introducing countless characters from Appalachia to the world. One of those beloved characters is Jim Tom Hendrick, who is praised for his warm heart and passion for his craft.

Sadly, Jim Tom (Marvin "Jim Tom" Hedrick) has joined the list of Moonshiner stars who have passed away. He died on Sept. 6, 2023, from kidney cancer at the age of 82, according to Variety.

Jim Tom first appeared in Moonshiners on Season 2, and was on the show from 2012 to 2017. He was beloved for his unique storytelling style.

A Discovery Channel spokesperson said in a statement, "Jim Tom Hedrick was a treasured member of the Moonshiners family and we share our condolences with his family and all those who loved him."

Sugarlands Shine Distillery, the moonshine company on the show, said that Jim's "well-earned reputation" and "colorful personality" endeared him to fans all around the world.

"Jim Tom touched the lives of countless individuals and was especially eager to pass along his lifetime of moonshining knowledge to a new generation of distillers, ensuring the craft would endure," they said in a statement.

Before spirits, Jim Tom worked in plumbing, auto repair, and electrical, according to his obituary on Legacy. Celebrity Net Worth notes that he also worked in cotton production, construction, and computer repairs. He got his first job at age 15, carrying sugar to a national park by boat.

Legacy calls Jim Tom a master of distilling and storytelling, who legally created moonshine for the Sugarland Distilling Company, despite the illegal history of the craft.

"Jim Tom dedicated much of his life to the art of moonshining, becoming a legend in Appalachia along the way," the distillery said after his passing.

A true jack of all trades, Jim Tom even released some country songs, like his single, "Golly That's Good." In a clip from Moonshiners, Jim Tom explained, "A lot of people thinks I should write a book. I'd rather [play] some music. I'd love to make songs about it." "Moonshine and music. It goes together," he said.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Jim Tom's net worth was estimated to be about $200,000 in 2021, thanks to the show and his work in spirits.