John Timothy “Tim” Medford, age 84, of Burnsville, passed away peacefully into eternal life on Friday, February 21st at Smoky Ridge Health and Rehabilitation. A native of Buncombe County, he was a son of the late James Willard and Mary Louise Lunsford Medford. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kikue Medford, in May 1998; three brothers: Henry, Jim and Michael Medford; two sisters: infant, Martha Medford, and Emma Smith.
Tim served 23 years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force. Upon retirement, Tim bought a couple of hot dog stands in Hawaii, then moved back home to North Carolina and became a partner in Medford Roofing with his brother. He kept busy in his latter years, clearing land and cutting wood. He never liked being idle so he always kept himself busy, and worked until he couldn’t.
He was proud of his upbringing and his heritage, and was loving, kind and moralistic. Tim loved the outdoors and enjoyed animals. Tim was very proud of his children, especially that they all went to college. He was loyal to his wife and proud to be married to her and said that the “longer he knew her, the better she got”. Tim was a favorite amongst his siblings and family. He had a witty personality and was always quick with a joke. In the facility where he lived, the staff also loved him. His funny, caring and spunky personality made him unforgettable.
He is survived by four daughters: Marie Parker (Johnny) of Burnsville, Theresa Medford of Kansas City, Missouri, Cecilia Medford of Los Angeles, California, and Jennifer Grano (Loren) of Bakersville; his son, Joseph Medford of Candler; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sister, Jennie Butler of Michigan; two brothers: Harley Medford (Juanita) of Tennessee and Alfred Medford (Valerie) of Hawaii; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, March 7th in the chapel at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain. Rev. James Durham will officiate. A reception will immediately follow the service at Buckeye Cove Community Club, 527 Buckeye Cove Road, Swannanoa, NC 28778. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
