James Taylor Jolliff, III, 72 of Southport, North Carolina, passed away on August 17, 2026.
Taylor was born April 2, 1954, son of the late Jimmie and Lucille Jolliff. He grew up in Smithfield, NC where he was a force in the backfield for the Smithfield-Selma Senior High Spartans. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he made numerous lifelong friends. Just after school he started work at RJ Reynolds in the Leaf Department, where he’d spend his entire career until retiring in 2008.
He was a dedicated husband, brother, father, and friend. His memory is as filled with laughter as his absence is with tears.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kay Jolliff; three sons, Jimmy Jolliff and wife Eleanor Hullihan, Reade Jolliff; Randy Jolliff and wife Joanna Hatch; a granddaughter, Dahlia Jolliff - Hullihan; and cousins, Jess Jolliff, Sherry Legge, and Ann Pollitt.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Katherine Jolliff.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday August 23, 2026, in the Southport Community Building located at 223 E Bay St, Southport, NC 28461
Contributions in Taylor's memory may be made to Saving Grace Animals for Adoption NC at www.savinggracenc.org
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com
Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.
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