James Walker "Jimmy" Kistler, Sr.

James “Jimmy” Walker Kistler, 77, of Burlington, passed away at home on Friday, February 20, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. He is the son of the late James Smyre Kistler and Nancy Walker Kistler.

A graduate of Western Alamance High School and Elon College, Jimmy devoted many years to teaching and coaching girls’ basketball at Bartlett Yancey High School in Yanceyville. He also taught at Dillard Junior High in Caswell County, in schools throughout Guilford County, and at Clover Garden Charter School in Burlington. In recent years, he worked as a courtesy driver for Cox Dodge and Tour Director for Holiday Tours. Jimmy found his greatest joy in working with the students he taught, coached, and guided on countless field trips, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives he touched.

Jimmy was a lifelong member of Stony Creek Presbyterian Church. Over the years, he faithfully served as Deacon, Elder, Clerk of Session, Sunday School teacher, Lay Reader, choir member, and member of the Destiny Quartet.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Mollie Kistler; his three children, Wendy Kistler Hargrove of Leland, NC; James “Jamie” Walker Kistler, Jr. (Amber) of Burlington; and Neil Burton Kistler (Carri Smithey), also of Burlington; and their mother, Wanda Frazier of Bolivia, NC. He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Dawn Williams and Wendy Taylor (Frankie).

He was a proud grandfather to Zachery, Ryan, Averi (Cameron), Aaron, Sydni, Mary Jo, and Gabe; step-grandfather to Brittney, Jessica, Jacob, Joshua, Randall, Sheridan, Deanna, Lani, and Logan; and step-great-grandfather to several great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sisters, Karen Greene (Joe) and Lynn Lawrence; his brother, John Kistler (Christi), all of Burlington; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Stony Creek Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lowe Funeral Home in Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

• Stony Creek Presbyterian Church: https://venmo.com/u/StonyCreekPres
• AuthoraCare Collective | Burlington Campus: Online Hospice Donations | AuthoraCare

Burlington Animal Services: Form Center • Donation - Medical & Pet Help Support Funds