Jimmy Goins

PEMBROKE — Jimmy Goins, a former chairman of the Lumbee Tribal Government, was killed Sunday in a single-car accident, according to the state Highway Patrol.

Goins, who was 66, was traveling alone on N.C. 71, about 4.4 miles north of Maxton, when the accident occurred at about 1:30 p.m., according to the state Highway Patrol.

According to a report filed by Trooper S.C. Hunt, Goins was traveling south on N.C. 71 when his vehicle ran off the road to the right, struck a highway sign and overturned before striking a tree and coming to a rest on its top. Goins was transported by EMS to Southeastern Regional Medical Center, the report said.

There had been speculation that Goins would run again this year for tribal chairman, a position he held for six years, two three-year terms. Goins owned an insurance business in Red Springs.

Goins, who served as tribal chairman from 2004 to 2010, was especially well known throughout the Prospect and Philadelphus communities, and his political ties stretched across the region and the state.

Goins had been involved in Lumbee tribal affairs long before becoming the tribe’s chairman. He was a member of the Lumbee Self-Determination Commission from 1998 to 2000, served as a member of the Lumbee Tribal Council, and was chairman of the tribe’s Federal Recognition Committee.

Goins was also instrumental in drafting and finalizing the tribe’s constitution. As chairman, he led tribal efforts to move the Lumbee Recognition Bill through both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. He testified before both the House and Senate Indian Affairs Committee in 2006.

In a statement from the Lumbee Tribe, Goins is being remembered as a true friend and charismatic leader among the Lumbee people.

Tribal Chairman Paul Brooks called Goins a great leader.

“Jimmy was a true advocate for the elders, youth and the veterans” he said. “He was instrumental in writing our first constitution and served on the LSD Commission. This comes as real shock for the county and for the tribe. He loved his people … This is truly a sad day for the Lumbee Tribe.”

Tammy Maynor, director of Governmental Affairs, worked for Goins during his tenure as chairman.

“Jimmy was a charismatic chairman,” she said. “When he became chairman, the tribe didn’t have any assets. The tribe’s assets grew under his administration. Mr. Jimmy really began considering the long-term growth of the tribe and began thinking of ways the tribe could become self-sufficient.”

“He believed in home ownership,” Maynor said. “He believed in mortgages. His belief was if we built more homes, then that would be more money we could put back into the Home Ownership Program. He was big on new construction.”

According to Maynor, the current multi-million dollar Housing Complex was built under Goins administration. Goins was also instrumental in starting the tribal Boys and Girls clubs, she said.

“He will be truly missed,” Maynor said.

Tribal Councilman Jonathan Locklear has been a long-time friend of the Goins’ family.

“Jimmy was a pillar in the community,” he said. “He reached out and tried to help every individual that he came into contact with. He was a gentleman at heart. He was very enthusiastic and a true friend. He was a true leader within the community, the county and the surrounding counties.”