James "Jim" Herbert Lyall

James “Jim” Lyall brought color, light, and joy to every space he entered. A man of remarkable creativity, kindness, and generosity, he left an indelible mark on his family, friends, and the community he loved so dearly. 

Born and raised in North Wilkesboro, NC, Jim was the son of Herbert Ambrose Lyall and Margie Bumgarner Lyall and the brother of Bill Lyall, all of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved partner, Steve Key, his children, Devin Lyall (Jeff Walker) and Kable Lyall (Hailey Lyall), his grandchildren, Saige Lyall (Randy Hall), Carmen Trivette, and Malin Wray, and his great-grandson, Cade, who was his pride and joy. He also shared a deep bond with his former wife and lifelong friend, Donna Atwell, and her husband Jeff Atwell, along with their children, AJ Czarnecki-Atwell (Christy Czarnecki-Atwell) and Brock Atwell. His niece, Kristin Lyall Mitchell (Damion Mitchell), and Brody, Dillon, and Niko, also held a special place in his heart. 

Jim graduated from West Wilkes High School in 1966 and went on to earn a degree in Art and Graphic Design from East Tennessee State University in 1971. His love for art began as a child when he was mesmerized by the bright hues of an autumn landscape drawn in chalk on his first-grade classroom blackboard. That moment ignited a lifelong passion that would shape his career and his legacy. 

Jim’s professional journey was one of brilliance and innovation. He served as the Vice President of Design Services at Lowe’s Home Improvement from 1972 to 1993, where his visionary creativity helped shape the company’s aesthetic. In 1993, he founded Lyall Design, a testament to his love for design and ability to bring beauty into people’s businesses and lives. He later launched Jimmy.L’s Interior Design, blending his passion for art and design to create environments that felt both personal and inspiring. 

Never one to rest on his accomplishments, Jim co-founded Taupe Gallery in North Wilkesboro in 2010 through the unwavering support of his partner, Steve Key. Having always dreamed of owning a gallery, Jim wanted to create a space where art could be shared, appreciated, and used to foster meaningful connections between people. Together, he and Steve explored the foothills and mountains of North Carolina in search of art that spoke to the soul—contemporary, colorful, and slightly unexpected. They built a space that was more than just a gallery; it was a celebration of creativity, a gathering place for artists and art lovers, and a reflection of Jim’s deep appreciation for beauty in all its forms. The gallery became a cornerstone of the community, offering a big-city experience with none of the pretense—just warmth, artistry, and a touch of magic. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was a man of deep kindness, humor, and generosity. He had a special gift for bringing color into people’s lives, not only through his art and design but through the beautiful flower arrangements he created to honor every occasion. Whether celebrating life’s joys or offering comfort in times of sorrow, Jim’s floral creations were a reflection of his love and thoughtfulness. He often said, 'Flowers are like friends; they bring color to your world,' and he lived by that belief, using his artistry to brighten the lives of those around him. He had a gift for making people feel special, for lighting up a room with his infectious joy, and for turning the ordinary into something extraordinary. He never met a stranger, and his presence was a bright light in the lives of so many. 

Sundays were sacred to Jim, not for any grand occasion but for the simple, soul-nourishing moments they held. He spent his mornings at Double K Farms, where the rolling fields, the presence of cows, and the quiet beauty of what he called "God’s Country" filled his heart with peace. He often said he had found faith on the farm, describing it as a place where the little things in life meant the most. The sight of newborn calves, the golden sun stretching over the pastures, and the fresh country air brought a kind of happiness that settled deep in his soul. He believed Sundays put "a little love in your heart." His day would end in the warm embrace of family dinners, where laughter and love surrounded him, and the highlight of the evening was time spent with baby Cade. For Jim, Sundays were a reflection of everything he cherished—faith, family, and the quiet joys that made life beautiful. 

Jim was a pillar of the community, an artist at heart, and a visionary in his craft. He was a beacon of light, a ray of sunshine, a force of kindness. His presence made life more colorful, more joyful, and more beautiful. 

Those who knew Jim remember him as a remarkable man who left the world a little brighter, a little more vibrant—his signature shade of orange forever woven into the tapestry of the lives he touched. His legacy lives on through his family, his friends, his art, and the countless lives he enriched with his kindness, creativity, and unwavering love for life. 

North Wilkesboro, Wilkes County, and beyond are a little less colorful without him, but his spirit will continue to shine in every piece of art he shared, in every joyful memory he created, and in every heart he touched. 

Rest easy, Jim. Your light, your laughter, and your love will never fade. 

In honor of Jim’s incredible life and due to weather and attendance a Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 30th, at The Walker Center.  Doors will open at 1:00 P.M.  The service will begin at 2:00 P.M.  There will be a celebration to follow.  Everyone is invited to attend.  All are welcome.

Join us as we come together to bring color and celebrate the life of Jim Lyall on Sunday, March 30th at 2:00 PM at The Walker Center, 292 First Citizens Bank Ln. Wilkesboro, NC 28697.

Flowers will be accepted for the Celebration of Life at Taupe Gallery, located at 305 10th Street, North Wilkesboro. Jim requested that all memorial gifts be mailed to Wilkes Recovery Revolution, Inc. at PO BOX 893, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, or made online at https://wilkesrecoveryrevolution.kindful.com 

Online condolences may be made at www.reinssturdivant.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim" Herbert Lyall, please visit our floral store.