People Behind the Presents: Hunter Woodard, James McHone Jewelry
How the Story Began
Image from Virginia.org
Long before James McCone Jewelry became a downtown Harrisonburg staple, it lived inside an antique store, beginning with one simple tray of jewelry tucked among furniture, quilts, sterling silver, hardware, flatware, paintings, and rugs. That tray became two trays, then a shelf, then a full showcase. As James often jokes, it did not take long to realize that carrying a few rings in his pocket was much easier than moving a large corner cupboard from place to place.
That modest beginning set the stage for what would become one of downtown’s longest standing businesses. In 1982, James with his brothers Nolan and Wayne purchased the building on South Court Square where the shop still operates today. More than forty years later, it has grown into a beloved institution, still in the same location and still rooted in the values and craftsmanship that defined it in the early days.
Hunter Woodard, owner of James McHone Jewelry, in front of shop door.
The shop’s current owner, Hunter Woodard, started working there when he was in college at James Madison University (JMU) and needed a part-time job. After applying to many restaurants late in the season, his brother suggested he contact James, who had sold him an engagement ring the year before.
“If you’ve ever met James, you know his personality,” Hunter says. “You almost become instant friends.”
Woodard got the job on the spot and started working the next day. His earliest tasks involved mowing grass, mulching, and scrubbing moss off bricks. When summer ended, James invited him to work inside the shop during the school year.
He spent the rest of college there, and when he graduated from JMU in 2004, James, Nolan, and Wayne offered him a full-time position that combined managing real estate with working in the jewelry store. “I thought real estate would take more of my time, but I quickly learned the jewelry business needs you moment to moment,” he says. “And I realized I loved it.”
The Main Goal and Lasting Impressions
Necklace from James McHone Jewelry
Though the shop has no official mission statement, its purpose has always been clear- to provide the best customer service possible, while also providing a product that provides value for what the clients are looking for, and a unique combination of design elements.
Woodard jokes about how they never know what tomorrow will bring. In the shop’s 43 years of business, the staff has seen pieces from the 1850s to the 1870s that are still in pristine condition, to pieces that are from Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Each piece carries a story.
Certain items leave lasting impressions. One piece that made the whole team excited was a platinum ring from the 1930s that came in a fitted box. It had a trap door on the bottom of the ring that you could unhinge, and had diamonds set around the perimeter in a square shape. In the center were multiple gemstones that could be pulled in and out. So all you had to do was open a little trap door, and simply remove the stone, set it to the side, and switch it with a new one because all the interchangeable stones were cut identically. “A piece like that is super cool, and it kind of sticks with you,” Woodard explained.
Another favorite piece was a yellow filigree necklace. Even an unusually iridescent freshwater pearl made a lasting impact. “The pieces that stick with me aren’t always the most expensive,” he says. “Sometimes it’s the artistry, the workmanship, or the scarcity.”
Why Jewelry Matters
James McHone (founder), Hunter Woodard (owner) and Tina Shull (manager & graduate gemologist) behind the jewelry counter.
Ask anyone in the shop what they appreciate most about their work, and the answer is simple. Jewelry carries emotion, and being connected to those moments is a privilege.
“It is an honor to play a small part in people's biggest moments of their lives.” Woodard says.
“It’s more than a transaction; we understand our customers are choosing to mark an occasion with something that will have years of memories associated with it.”
Engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, and milestones all pass through their hands. “When someone picks up an engagement ring, and you hand it to them when it’s done, the smile on their face says everything,” he says. “It is such an honor that they chose us.”
It is equally meaningful to receive texts from customers later on, sharing photos of their proposals or returning to the shop to say how much a gift meant to the recipient. Those moments are at the heart of the business.
The team believes the personal experience is what sets the shop apart. With James McHone having 43 years of experience, Tina Shull 32 years, and Hunter Woodard having 23 years, they know most customers by name and often know several generations of their families. They have witnessed four generations choose jewelry from the shop, and that continuity is rare and deeply valued.
Gifting Advice
Woodard’s advice is to stick to the classics. “Trends will come and go, but if the design is a classic design like diamond stud earrings, tennis bracelets, stacking gold bands, pearls, those things, no matter what the trend is currently, are always going to stand the test of time.”
Choosing jewelry can feel overwhelming, but the team’s advice is practical. Social media can help offer clues of what a person likes by showing what they look at, and paying attention to what your significant other already wears is important. Notice if they prefer yellow gold or white gold and whether their style leans toward bold colors or neutral tones. Sometimes, the most appreciated gifts are unexpected. Many customers say they grew to love a piece precisely because their partner chose it with care, even if it was not something they would have purchased for themselves.
images from James McHone Jewelry instagram
The Downtown Connection
Woodard’s Downtown Experience
Something about the festivities and social gatherings in Downtown Harrisonburg makes the Holiday Season amazing. “Seeing lots of people on the square, people shopping in the individual shops, the lights in the trees at night,” Woodard explains, is part of what makes it so memorable. Strolling through downtown lets you see how each business celebrates the season in its own way, giving you time to explore, enjoy, and support local shops.
Some of Woodard’s favorite family memories come from downtown events like Skeleton Festival. One moment that stands out is a photo of my son dressed as Iron Man, candy in hand, pointing enthusiastically toward Court Square. He remembers it as a beautiful day.
When it comes to food, he refuses to pick a single favorite. “I do not want to upset anyone,” he laughs. “I eat at all of them.” Clementine, Cuban Burger, Beyond, Bella Luna, Jack Brown’s, and Billy Jack’s are all his regular spots. “I don't have a certain favorite,” he states.
Retail is tougher downtown, but he has favorites there, too. “My son loves the shoes at Wonder,” he says. “And my son got his guitar downtown as well.”
Being Part of Downtown’s Business Community
Downtown Harrisonburg has a deep history, and Woodard has started to immerse himself in the history by collecting ephemera and storing tokens of different advertisements. He wants to see downtown thrive by having people coming to shop and the shops providing products and services that people want to buy, and creating jobs that allow profits to be created. In return, those profits can be reinvested and given back to the community. “Whether it's an HDR event, somebody’s soccer team, softball team, food drive, whatever that may be, we need the support of the consumer in the community so that we can then give back to our community,” he explains.
Woodard shares how James often says that the community has been good to his family, so giving back feels natural. Whether it’s time or money. James, his brothers, and his family have donated to different causes to help. He also explains how he helps by volunteering for many things, like putting up Christmas decorations at the courthouse.
“If you want to see a beautification of the downtown, you've got to give back and be a part of it.”
Hopes for Downtown’s Future
Looking ahead, Woodard hopes for a stable, vibrant downtown. “I want a community that people are excited and want to be part of,” he says. “Whether they live here, shop here, work here, or just visit.”
Seeing businesses come and go over his 23 years has not been easy, but he celebrates those that stay. “They help weave the fabric of the community,” he says. “It is not easy to be in business. I am thankful for the ones that commit to being here.” The hope is that new businesses will continue to join the community and contribute to the experience for years to come.
Check out the Downtown Harrisonburg Holiday Gift Guide to meet more people behind the presents, and visit the James McHone Jewelry social media for updates on new inventory perfect for gift giving
“Social media has allowed us to extend our showroom to people in their own living room” Hunter explains.Even if you might not be looking for a piece you could see something that reminds you of a friend or find something you didn’t know you were looking for.