Entertainer Jimmy "Handy Man" Jones Dies

As of Tuesday, August 7, 2012

James “Jimmy” Jones who made the song “Handy Man” famous in 1960, died Thursday in Aberdeen. He was 82.

Jones, called a true entertainer by his family and friends, began his career as a tap-dancer and then turned to singing in the 1950s while in the U.S. Army.

The Birmingham Ala. native had a lengthy career writing and performing R&B style music.

He wrote and recorded numerous songs, including "Handy Man," which topped out at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. The song stayed there for 18 weeks and was a million-seller.

To hear his version of the "Handy Man," click here.

"Handy Man," became a hit all over again in 1977 when the legendary singer James Taylor remade and recorded it.

Here is Taylor's version.

Jones, who lived in Aberdeen for more than two decades, most notably performed at the Raising the Roof in 2000. The event was a benefit for the Sunrise Theater.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church, Aberdeen. Family will receive family and friends from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Purcell Funeral Home, Southern Pines.

Jones is survived by his wife, Mattie Jones, two daughters Jennifer Jones and Jilliann Jones-Hendricks, a son James Jones Jr, four grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren.

For more see Wednesday's print edition of The Pilot.

More like this story

JimRussell44 9 months, 2 weeks ago

Sorry to hear of his passing. He'll always be with us through his music. Songs like "Handy Man" and "Good Timin" will continue to bring a smile to our faces forever. Condolences to his family.

injuredlist 9 months, 2 weeks ago

"James Taylor remade and recorded it..."

You mean, ruined and recorded it, don't you?

clarabelle 9 months, 2 weeks ago

" injuredlist - "James Taylor remade and recorded it..." You mean, ruined and recorded it, don't you?"

I have to agree..........

Courseaire 9 months, 2 weeks ago

You also had the Sammy Davis Jr recording of Handy Man:

Who can take a sunrise
Sprinkle it with dew
Cover it with choc'late and a miracle or two
The Handy Man
Oh, the Handy Man can
The Handy Man can
'Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good

JimRussell44 9 months, 2 weeks ago

A little sad that the passing of Mr. Jones, a resident of our area for twenty years who made big contributions to the music of an era that many of us grew up in would generate comments like these. James Taylor grew up in Chapel Hill and has done pretty well for himself. And I'm saddened to see that Courseaire has attempted to inject humor into the story by changing the words of a song.