Jimmy William Hefner, age 48 passed away to his eternal home on Monday, July 20, 2026, following a sudden illness.  Jimmy was born on July 29, 1977, in Catawba County and he was a skilled dog trainer and owner of Off the Chain Canine Fitness.  

Jimmy was a lifelong Christian, and he served his country in the United States Army during the Iraq War.  He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and he loved hiking and camping.  Animals were his passion and in addition to training, he fostered and saved so many animals over his lifetime.  

He was preceded in death by his step-father, Gilbert Robb and his canine best friends, 8 Ball and Willis. 

Survivors include his mother, Pamela Gregory Robb of Canton, Ohio, his father, Johnny William Hefner (Lisa) of Troutman, his fiancée, Christa Burleson of Forest City, his sister, Plennie Sides of Canton, Ohio, his step-sisters, Kelsey Hale (Mason) of Canton, Ohio, and Amanda Cook (Mark) of Love Valley, NC, his step-brother, Joshua Vick (Kaitlyn) of Canton, Ohio, his nephews, John David Sides and Dalton Everidge and niece Mackenzie Montaigne, as well as many step-nieces and nephews and a great-niece. 

A memorial service is being planned and will be announced later by The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory.