James Reaford Medlin passed away in the late evening of March 28, 2023 at the age of 90 at ECU Health North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids, NC. He was a native of Halifax County, born on January 6, 1933 and grew up farming land and attended Weldon High School. James worked for Western Union Telegraph as a lineman, was drafted by the US Army and was honorably discharged 2 years later.  He also worked for the United States Postal Service, retiring after 29 years. Later, he worked as a mechanic repairing small engines and ran a country store for a friend. He received a lot of enjoyment out of growing his own garden and frequently visited Bojangles and Chick-fil-a to have breakfast with his friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, the late Irving Medlin and Mary Mills Medlin and his sister Dorothy Medlin Carr, all of Halifax, NC. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Pate Medlin of over 60 years; his sons, Jay Medlin (Staley) of Louisburg and Billy Medlin (Kim) of Raleigh; grandson, Greg Medlin (Nikki) of Sylvania GA, granddaughter, Stephanie Sparks (Chris) of Myrtle Beach SC, step-granddaughter Allison Barlow and granddaughter Lacey Medlin both of Louisburg NC, step-granddaughter, Heaven Jones of Sylvania GA, great grandson Parker of Elmsford NY, a great grandson due in July; his siblings, Bobby Medlin of Washington, NC, Joyce Harris of Hopewell, VA, and Joe Medlin (Nancy) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; a very close nephew, David Carr (Tina) and numerous other special nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his very good friends Frank Clary and Gordon Pearson.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating. The family will receive friends after the service and at home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:

PO Box 50

Memphis, TN 38101-9929

1-800-608-8795