Obituary of James Luther Taylor

James L. "Jim" Taylor, age 73, of Sylva, NC passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at his home in Sylva following a brief illness and surrounded by his loving family. 

He was the son of the late Luther and Gladys Taylor of Dillsboro. 

Jim is survived by his wife; Glenda Taylor and two daughters; Jenny (Kyle) Johnson of Sylva, NC and Wendy (Harold) Smith also of Sylva, NC. He is further survived by four grandchildren; Taylor Johnson (Hez) Crowe, Taaron Johnson (Walker) Broome, Alexander Smith and Kaleb Smith and two great grandchildren; Salem Crowe and Saige Crowe. One brother; Robert Taylor of Ela and three sisters; Brenda McGaha of Waynesville, NC, Norma Cunningham of Sylva, NC, and Sandy Harris of Virginia Beach, VA also survive. 

Jim was a Marine Corps veteran, having served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He went on to make a career in law enforcement, starting his career as a Jackson County Deputy Sheriff  under Sheriff Fred Holcombe. He finished his law enforcement career at Western Carolina University as Crime Prevention Officer. While at WCU, he received the Lions Club Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. 

The funeral will be held on Sunday, July 4, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Appalachian Funeral Services Chapel in Sylva, NC with Rev. Eddie Stillwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Addie Cemetery. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Serving as active pallbearers will be: Greg Wilson, Jim Cunningham Jr., Hez Crowe, Walker Broome, David Pannell, and Lonnie Lanier. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be: Alexander Smith, Kaleb Smith, Storm Sequoayah, and Matt Wilson. 

Appalachian Funeral Services of Sylva, NC is serving the family.