A force of nature, Dr. James (Jim) Horton Palmer, died peacefully from complications with Alzheimer’s on August 10, 2026, at UNC Hospice in Pittsboro. Jim passed away in the loving company of his long-time partner, Elizabeth Taylor, and his son, Alex Palmer, who had recently shaved Jim in preparation for the other side.
Jim Palmer was many things to many people, but all would agree that he was a presence. Jim’s energy, laughter, and overwhelming ability to put almost anybody at ease was experienced by nearly all he encountered.
Jim was born in Fairfield, Alabama on October 13, 1948 to Dick “Horton” Palmer and Clarabelle Crye. A gifted athlete – but not quite big enough for SEC football – Jim worked his way through school at the University of Alabama. Although naturally gifted in sales, Jim found his true calling in the master’s counseling program at Appalachian State University and then in the doctorate program at the University of North Carolina – Greensboro, eventually settling in Chapel Hill because the region had a public radio station and a minor league baseball team. After retiring and moving to Morgantown, West Virginia with his partner Elizabeth he returned to his true home, Chapel Hill, to be close to his grandchildren.
Over his 30-year professional career, Jim wore many hats as a highly respected substance abuse counselor working as a direct clinician, supervisor, trainer, teacher, researcher and outreach worker. He touched many lives with his keen listening ability and his unconditional positive regard for an individual’s intricacies, including their imperfections. Jim was fond of saying “What’s your story?” and then listening with genuine interest. This unwavering spirit never ceased, and Jim continued to shine in the presence of others even as his mind and body succumbed to his disease.
Jim is survived by his partner Elizabeth Taylor and his son Alex Palmer (wife, Brika Eklund), his stepdaughters Laurel (O’Neal) Thorton (husband, Josh) and Dana (O’Neal) Skelly (husband, Matt), and his seven grandchildren in North Carolina, West Virginia and Massachusetts; his sister Glenda Ryckewaert; and many dear friends who brought great joy to his life. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Charolette Kelley and Margaret Todarello, and his brothers Hobert Palmer and Ray Palmer.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026 at the Eno River Farmers Market pavilion in Hillsborough, NC, beginning at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take a loved one or new acquaintance to a music event or baseball game, put the phone away, and hear their story.
