R.I.P. Jim Tom Hedrick: ‘Moonshiners’ Star Dead At 82 

Moonshiners star Jim Tom Hedrick, who is being hailed as “one of the most skilled moonshiners in the South,” has passed away at the age of 82.

According to TMZ‘s report, Hedrick passed away on Wednesday (Sep. 6) morning in Robbinsville, North Carolina.

Though the cause of death is still unknown, the outlet reports that Hedrick had kidney cancer and was receiving dialysis. He also stayed in a nursing home for the last year of his life.

The veteran moonshiner became known for his craft after appearing on the Discovery reality series that follows generations of moonshiners carrying on the 200-year-old tradition in Appalachia. Hedrick appeared in over 50 episodes of the series from 2012 to 2021.

Sugarlands Distilling Co., a Tennessee-based distillery, released a statement praising Hedrick for his “colorful personality” after news broke of his passing.

“Jim Tom dedicated much of his life to the art of moonshining, becoming a legend in Appalachia along the way,” the statement reads. “Jim Tom’s well-earned reputation as one of the most skilled moonshiners in the South earned him a role on the hit television program Moonshiners, where his colorful personality endeared Jim Tom to the hearts of millions.”

According to their post, Hedrick’s full name is Marvin “Jim Tom” Hedrick and he was born on December 25, 1940.

The company’s statement described him as “especially eager” to pass along his decades of knowledge to ensure “the craft would endure.” They also praised him as being “one of the first veteran moonshiners” to support them when they opened.

Hedrick can be seen on Moonshiners Seasons 3 through 6, with a couple of additional appearances through Season 10.

Moonshiners is streaming on Max.