James Slyman

James “Jim” Slyman, age 82, passed away peacefully on May 31st, 2023, with his beloved wife by his side. Jim was born on March 24th, 1941, in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. Jim lived out the greatest example of integrity, hard work, and devotion. His generosity impacted the community at large. He leaves behind a legacy that will live on forever.

Raised by a single mother who devoted her life to raising her three sons, Jim was shown the highest example of hard work. An avid athlete, he was “All-State” and an “All-American” in football at Tennessee High in Bristol, Tennessee. Jim graduated as a four year college letterman in football from Carson Newman and held a Master Degree from University of Alabama. He was the 1977 State Delegate for the Constitutional Convention. Jim continued his love of sports by coaching many youth football, baseball, and basketball teams for decades.

Jim opened Slyman Real Estate & Auction in 1971 and impacted the Knoxville and surrounding counties for 50 plus years. He was revered among his peers and loved by his Slyman Real Estate agent family. Jim was a pioneer for selling real estate via the auction method. Jim served as Past President of the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors, was Realtor of Year, and earned Realtor Emeritus status.

A profound spiritual leader, Jim’s faith in Jesus Christ remained paramount. He would begin each work day reading his Bible at his desk. Throughout Jim’s life, he started many churches and served in many leadership roles both locally and in the Presbytery. He was a member and elder for many years at Crosswalk Community Church.

Jim’s interests were sports, bartering, trade shows and always scavenging for the “best deal” possible. Jim was a loyal supporter of the Lions Club, a service organization with a focus on eliminating preventable blindness. He always contributed great ideas and was willing to work to implement those ideas. Jim also served for decades with The Phiadelphians prison ministry. Jim’s greatest blessings were his family and loved them beyond comprehension. Jim never missed a moment to brag on his children or grandchildren, was always in the front row for all of their many sporting events and was often revered as their “fearless leader”.

Preceded in death by his parents Richard and Sadie Slyman, Brothers Richard Slyman (Martha), and Ernie Slyman. Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Janice Slyman; children, James Paige (Christa) Slyman, Jared Slyman, and daughter Laura Slyman (Kevin Brown), step daughter Elizabeth Snide; grandchildren, Caleb Slyman, Juliana Slyman, Keylor Piers and Cole Piers; niece, Beth Slyman and nephew, Richard Mark Slyman and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Receiving of Friends Sunday 2:00-4:00 at Berry Highland Memorial Funeral Home with Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m. - Reverend Buddy Sexton officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sacred Ground Hospice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryhighlandmemorial.com for the Slyman family.