James "Jim" Willard Medford Jr.

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.