THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 17, 1994 TAG: 9408160127
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
The dream of raising horses on some remote piece of land is still alive for James D. Auvil and his wife Sheila.
Some day, the two plan to have a stable of 15 to 20 Arabian or quarter horses that will bring in top-dollar prices. There may even be a stable of horses that could be rented by the hour for trail riding by the public.
But right now, Jim Auvil, 37, is busy building his business as an insurance agent with Nationwide Insurance in Smithfield.
And business is good. So good, in fact, that Auvil has hired associate agent V. Parks Laughinghouse to help with sales. Laughinghouse started Monday. Auvil will also be looking to hire a licensed office manager - someone who can handle all the duties of an office while Auvil is out scouting for new business.
``I see about 10 people in the office now each day, but the phone rings all day long,'' he said.
And when Auvil isn't giving quotes for insurance, he can usually be found on the baseball field. In spring and summer, Auvil coaches Little League and Major League baseball for Bennett's Creek Little League, ages 9 through 12.
He said he has coached all three of his sons since they started T-ball. He said he likes coaching in the Bennett's Creek League because all the ages play in the same area.
``We can watch all three kids from one location. It's great,'' he said.
Name: James D. Auvil Sr.
What brought you to Isle of Wight County: My wife Sheila and I dream of having land to raise horses on.
Hometown: Hampton.
Birthdate: July 20, 1957.
Nickname: Jim.
Occupation: Nationwide Insurance professional.
Marital status: Married to Sheila.
Children: James D. Jr., Jacob D. and Johnathan D.
Favorite movies: ``Lonesome Dove,'' ``The Ten Commandments'' and all the Star Trek movies.
Favorite magazine: ``Redskin Report.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? The Bible. I feel it's God's written word to man on how to live a happy and fulfilling life.
Favorite night out on the town: Just being with my wife and three sons at baseball games or Pizza Hut.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Capt. George's seafood buffet.
Favorite food and drink: Seafood and Coke.
Few people know . . . that I have been an insurance professional for 14 years now.
What's the best thing about yourself? That I try to do my best to do unto others as I would want them to do unto me.
Worst habit: Biting my fingernails.
First thing in the morning: I'm not someone you would want to see in the morning.
Pets: A dog named Tigger, cats, fish, a Guinea pig, bird and chickens.
Hobbies: Fishing and golf.
Ideal vacation: A trip to Mexico for seven days of rest and relaxation on the beach with my wife.
Pet peeve: When people tell you they will call you back, but they don't.
First job: I bused tables at a Hampton restaurant.
Worst job: Putting hot tar on roofs when it was 95 degrees or more.
What achievements are you most proud of? Being a Christian and being a successful Nationwide Insurance professional.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``He ran the race of life well and finished living for the Lord.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
James Auvil
by CNB