James "Jim" Willard Medford Jr.
April 27, 1944 ~ November 25, 2022
Born in:
Brevard, NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
James “Jim” Willard Medford Jr., 78, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on November 25, 2022, at his son’s home in Hickory, doing what he loved.
Jim was born April 27, 1944, in Brevard to the late James Willard and Mary Louise Lunsford Medford. He graduated from Enka High School in 1962 and spent four years in the Marine Corps stationed on the USS Newport News. He spent most of his career in law enforcement. He was a NC Highway patrolman for nine years, Troutman’s first Chief of Police, chief deputy of the Iredell County police department, and retired as an inspector with the Department of Motor Vehicles in 2001. He owned and operated “Rocky Top Quick Stop,” a convenience store in Maryville, TN, for ten years and had an active real estate license. He was also an avid woodworker and carpenter. He refinished furniture and built or remodeled numerous houses, most notably his “homestead” in Candler, NC where he enjoyed hiking, gardening, and maintaining the land during his final years. He greatly valued education. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980 from Pfeiffer College, and taught auto dealer and furniture refinishing classes at local community colleges. He loved playing and watching golf, was an avid reader of history and biographies, and always enjoyed sharing stories and jokes with everyone around him.
Jim was immensely proud of his family. He was married to Lana Brown Medford for 53 years and has two sons, Andrew James and John Arthur Medford, and one granddaughter, Sonora James Medford. He is also survived by his sister, Jennie Butler and brothers, Tim, Harley and Alfred Medford. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Michael and Henry Medford and a sister, Emma Smith.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Purple Heart Homes or a local charity of your choice.
Services
Funeral Home Assisting The Family:
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
I am so sorry for your loss sending lots of prayers and love ❣️❣️❣️❣️ Juanita and Harley. if I can help anyway just call me.
Dear Mrs. Medford and Family:
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. He was always friendly, funny (always throwing a joke or two) and sincere in his teaching at Catawba Valley Community College. I will wear a smile when remembering him–he will be sorely missed! Prayers and hugs to the family.
Jim; What a Great Guy! Our Teacher ever since the Auto Dealer renewal Class was taught; He Was There. The Kind of Leader and Teacher We all Should Have In our Lives. Friend indead, and that sweet Smile always!
I will See Him Again in Glory.
I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, Jim was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. He always joked with me saying he was going to call the college President and tell on me! I enjoyed the working with him at CVCC.
Thank you for your service to our nation and to our state in your law enforcement career. God Bless and God’s speed young man.
Sorry for the loss of James . WE were friends and had some good times growing up..
never easy to lose a loved one.
Kenny Rimmer
Lana, Barbara and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Prayers for your family
Sending many prayers and love for all of the family
So sorry to hear of his passing. Dad ( Sgt. B. L. Walker) will be happy to see him in heaven. Sara Walker Thompson Statesville NC.
Lana, so sorry for your loss. He was a fine man. Praying for you and the family!
Lana, we had many good times with Medford at Patrol reunions. Always a good laugh when he was around. He & Charlie have many memories riding to Patrol school together. We will miss him so much. Keeping you and the boys in our thoughts.
Aunt Lana I am so sorry for Uncle Jim’s passing. You and the rest of the family are in my prayers. Love you.