Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 16, 2024

James Maynard Talley Jr.

April 7, 1937 – October 16, 2024

Charlotte, North Carolina – James Maynard Talley, Jr. died on October 16, 2024 at age 87, grateful until the end for life’s many blessings. Jim, as everyone knew him, loved his wife, Claire. He loved the law. And wherever life took him, God was ever-present. All together, that was all he could have ever hoped for.

Jim was born and raised in Durham, N.C., son of Maynard and Pearl Talley. His father operated tobacco auction warehouses from North Carolina to Georgia. Jim often helped, which meant he, too, was consumed by the tobacco auction business.

He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1959 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Relations. He was a member and officer of the Sigma Nu fraternity. In 1964, he graduated with honors from UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law, where he was an Order of the Coif honoree and a member of the Board of Editors of the UNC Law Review. That same year, he moved to Charlotte and joined the law firm that ultimately became Horack, Talley, Pharr & Lowndes. Here he found his place, drawn to the law, appreciating the opportunity to build relationships with clients and serve their needs. He devoted more than 50 years to the firm, practicing commercial real estate, finance and corporate law. He eventually became a stockholder and partner. In 2019, the firm affiliated with Offit Kurman in Charlotte. Jim became Of Counsel before officially retiring.

In a long life packed with accomplishments, one day stands above all the rest. Jim and Claire Talley were married on Nov. 14, 1981. The two were introduced by a mutual friend after the former Claire Young moved to Charlotte from Rutherfordton, N.C. After receiving counsel (and a thumbs up!) from then-Rev. Tom Stockton at Myers Park United Methodist Church, they were married at the church. Happily ever after is an understatement. They nurtured each other in every way imaginable. She supported his law career and community service. He was the No. 1 fan of her ballroom dancing. He was always there to cheer her on, especially when she co-created Dancing with the Stars of Charlotte. That annual show at the Knight Theater raises money for local breast cancer organizations.  Claire herself is a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Jim’s passion for the law extended beyond his practice. He served the  North Carolina Bar Association in several roles, including president (1994-95). He also served the North Carolina State Bar, Mecklenburg County Bar, Legal Services of the Southern Piedmont, Legal Services of North Carolina, and Legal Aid of North Carolina in various roles. Much of his work involved helping the poor and disenfranchised get the legal representation they deserved.

His servanthood went beyond the law. He was active at Myers Park United Methodist Church and sang in its contemporary choir. He helped establish the SouthPark Association of Neighborhoods to represent that community’s interests. He served on the board of Supportive Housing Communities, helping provide affordable housing for Charlotte’s poor and homeless. As a board member for Children and Family Services Center (now Ascend Nonprofit Solutions), he focused on improving the lives of children and families.

Jim served his country in the U.S. Navy (active duty, 1959-61) and as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve (1961-84, retiring as a Captain).

Jim is survived by his wife, Claire; five children between them – Randy Talley of Weaverville, N.C., Beth Pell and her husband, Nick, of Huntersville, Mark Talley of Charlotte, Elizabeth Moore of Charlotte and Stacey Moore III and his wife, Carolyn, of Charlotte; and 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, all of whom he adored. Jim is also survived by his younger sister, Elizabeth Shelley, of Greensboro.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte.  The family will receive friends following the service in the Assembly Hall reception area at the church.  The service will be live-streamed at www.myersparkumc.org/funeral

A gift in his memory can be made to Supportive Housing Communities, 601 E. Fifth St., Suite 255, Charlotte, N.C. 28202 (www.supportivehousingcommunities.org).

The family is deeply grateful for the care and kindness shown by Doctors, Nurses and Caregivers.

Jim Talley found love, a calling to practice law and a yearning to serve his clients, country and neighbors. It filled his cup to overflowing.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.