Hylton “JJ” James has been a caddie on the Web.com and PGA Tours since 1985.
The Roswell, Ga., native is a popular figure amongst his peers, as well as with the countless players he’s crossed paths with in over three decades.
But now, James needs a little help from those friends.
On Monday, May 13, the 78-year-old – considered the oldest professional Tour caddie – will undergo bypass surgery after an unexpected health issue cropped up.
A GoFundMe page was created for James on May 10 with the hopes of raising $50,000 to help offset his expenses. In less than 24 hours (at the time of this post), the GoFundMe page had already raised over $26,000.
Scrolling through social media, it wasn’t hard to see why James is so popular.
Take this story from Tour winner Charley Hoffman, for instance:
“JJ was one of my original caddies on the then Buy.com Tour, which is known now as the Web.com Tour. He’s one the most gracious and caring people I know,” wrote Hoffman in an Instagram post. “Always texts and calls on holidays. I want to share one of the funniest caddy/player interactions I have ever had on the course. We were hitting into a par 5 at an event in Louisiana. I hit a beautiful 5 iron into the green. As it is in the air, he starts shouting at my ball to get down. I think to myself, ‘what the heck is he doing?’ Then the ball, like it has ears, falls short of the green and plugs into the bunker.
“I proceeded to rip him a new one as we walk up the fairway, telling him never to talk to my golf ball again. He calmly looks at me once I’m done ranting halfway up the fairway and says, ‘Pro, I’m not talking to your ball I’m only talking to my 10 percent!’
“Couldn’t do anything but laugh [when he said that]. And that is what makes an amazing caddy – getting your player to laugh in a bad situation. And guess what? He kept on talking to his 10 percent until he stopped working for me. Help a great man in need and contribute to his GoFundMe page.”
Plenty of players and caddies called out to encourage help through their respective social media channels. Here’s a sampling:
Another update on JJ, he is scheduled for bypass surgery this Monday. He’s in great spirits and will be back better than ever after the surgery! If you would like to help out in anyway a go fund me page has been set up.https://t.co/XoZRvxr8hp
— Ben Kohles (@ben_kohles) May 10, 2019
My friend Hylton James (JJ) needs your help. He & I have stayed together on the road many times & shared thousands of laughs. He needs heart surgery & he needs help offsetting the cost. Please help by donating & retweeting for awareness. Thank you! https://t.co/n6gcuBwUq9
— Aaron Flener (@AaronFlener) May 10, 2019
My longtime caddy and current @WebDotComTour caddy JJ Hilton James needs By-Pass Surgery. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
https://t.co/TWjA7MMhYT— Kyle Thompson (@KyleThompsonPGA) May 11, 2019
Our friend Hylton James (JJ) needs everyone’s help. He and I have shared many great times on and off the golf course. He needs heart surgery and help with offsetting the cost. Please help by donating and retweeting for awareness. Thank you!!! https://t.co/30TcsuemLC
— Derek Smith (@DerekSmithGolf) May 11, 2019
Our friend Hylton “JJ” James needs your prayers! Bypass Surgery on Monday to get back to 100% but recovery will take time. @WebDotComTour @KCGolfClassic #legend #prayers #friendtoall pic.twitter.com/LGP7Ybx25M
— The Truck (@truckkarma) May 10, 2019
If you’d like to contribute to James’ GoFundMe page, you can click here.