ROCKINGHAM — Jeeps are taking over Rockingham Dragway this weekend, in memory of a late Richmond County sheriff’s deputy.
The Rockin’ the Rock Jeep Fling will be in honor of James Hamby, a Marine Corps veteran who worked with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office from 2017 until his death in November of 2022.
The Texas native enlisted shortly after graduating high school, graduating from boot camp in December of 2005.
During his 12 years of service, Hamby was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan and served stateside in Washington, D.C. where he was responsible for the security of the commandant of the Marine Corps, and at Camp David for Presidential Security Duty.
In 2019, Hamby organized “Walk for a Purpose,” a three-phase trek to help veterans and others who struggle with disabilities, at Hinson Lake after his experience with the “No Barriers” event.
Click here to read Hamby’s obituary with more details of his service.
“Most of the time, Jeepers always come together to show support for the community and show we care,” said organizer Christine Collins Painter.
When she heard about Hamby’s passing, Painter said she contacted the sheriff’s office to organize a ride.
The event, Painter said, turned into a full char show “for the community and to show his daughters what he meant to this community.”
The ride portion of the event is slated for 9 a.m. Sunday morning, with all street-legal vehicles welcome to participate at $20.
Proceeds from the event will go toward establishing a scholarship in Hamby’s name, Painter said.
The show portion of the Jeep Fling, on Saturday, will include tug of war, sound and light competitions and passes down the track for participants. There will also be an afterparty Saturday evening at Axe to Grind in Hamlet.
Admission to the event is free and gates open at 9 a.m.
